The Ashanti Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared its support for the incumbent regional chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
He has been sentenced to 20 years in prison over an illegal mining offense.
At a press conference held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Kumasi, party executives called for Chairman Wontumi’s immediate release, describing his conviction as political persecution.
The First Vice Chairman and Acting Regional Chairman of the NPP, Patrick Acheampong, argued that Wontumi’s imprisonment is “unfair,” stressing that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) involved in illegal mining have not faced similar legal consequences.
They warned of strong resistance against the government if what they described as witch-hunting of NPP members continues.
“Wontumi is the last person they will arrest; never again will this happen,” Acheampong added.
He further revealed that party executives and supporters in the Ashanti Region plan to march to Nsawam Prisons in the coming days to visit Wontumi and demonstrate solidarity.
Mr. Acheampong urged members and supporters to remain calm, assuring them that the national leadership of the party is working tirelessly to secure Wontumi’s release through legal means.
