The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has questioned why petitions filed against some officials of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) have not received similar attention as that of Wontumi.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of two counts by the Accra High Court over illegal activities on a mining concession he owned at Samraboi in the Western region.
The sentences are to run concurrently. The court also fined him 10,000 penalty units on each of the two counts. Akonta Mining Limited, a company owned by Wontumi, which was convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.
Following his conviction and sentencing on Monday, July 20, 2026, the NPP leadership accused the government of only pursuing cases relating to the opposition while its own members are equally complicit in similar matters.
Addressing the press moments after the sentencing, General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, questioned the status of the petitions filed against the NDC’s National Organiser, Joseph Yamin and the party’s Third National Vice Chairman, Abanga Yakubu.
According to him, accountability should be devoid of political colours and apply equally, calling for transparency on the progress of petitions involving NDC officials.
“What has become of the petition submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Mr Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, and Abanga Yakubu, Vice Chairman of the NDC? We are asking these questions,” he said.
He further questioned how allegations involving Ahafo Ano South East MP, Mohammed Yakubu and the District Chief Executive for the area, have fared.
“Mr President, what has happened to Honourable Mohammed Yakubu, NDC MP for Ahafo Ano South East, and his DCE, who was sacked from a chief’s palace after they were alleged to have been heavily involved in galamsey in their traditional area?” he asked.
Kodua Frimpong also asked about the status of allegations against the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi, insisting Wontumi’s trial has been expedited at the expense of the others.
“What happened to the NDC MP for Aowin, Honourable Oscar Ofori Larbi, who was accused by the chiefs and the people of Aowin, as well as the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, of engaging in galamsey? Why has the nation not witnessed the same level of urgency and determination in those matters? Justice cannot be selective,” he stated.
According to the NPP General Secretary, the fight against illegal mining would only be credible if allegations against all persons, regardless of political affiliation, were investigated.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents in respect of whom evidence of wrongdoing does not exist, while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own party,” he said.
Mr Kodua also urged the government to focus on what he described as more pressing national challenges, including illegal mining, flooding and security threats.
“Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates urgency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security. No government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he added.
