Embattled New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman aspirant Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has formally entered the race by picking up nomination forms to contest the party’s chairmanship.
His campaign team confirmed the move as a continuation of his political bid despite his ongoing incarceration. “Yes indeed, the campaign team has picked up forms on behalf of Chairman Wontumi. We are continuing his bid in the National Chairmanship race,” Ewuradwoa Coleman, Communications Director of the campaign, told JoyNews’ The Pulse.
Coleman explained that the decision was rooted in the belief that Wontumi should be allowed to go through the party’s established processes. She added that any legal or constitutional questions surrounding his candidacy would be determined by the appropriate authorities, stressing that his imprisonment does not automatically end his political ambitions.
Wontumi is currently serving a 20‑year prison sentence following his conviction by an Accra High Court for offences linked to illegal mining activities at the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, found him guilty of offences including assigning mineral rights without the required ministerial approval and purposely facilitating unlicensed mining operations. The sentences imposed on the separate counts are running concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year custodial term.
The court also imposed a fine of GH¢120,000, with a three-year default prison term if the fine is not paid. The default sentence is also to run concurrently with the 20-year prison term. Mr Boasiako has since challenged both his conviction and sentence. His lawyers have filed an application seeking bail pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.
However, while the legal proceedings continue, his campaign team has moved ahead with his political ambitions by obtaining the nomination forms for the NPP’s National Chairman contest.
The development sets up an unusual leadership race within the party, with Mr Boasiako seeking to move from his current position as Ashanti Regional Chairman to the national chairmanship.
His decision to contest while incarcerated is also likely to generate further debate over the eligibility and practical implications of his bid as the NPP prepares for its national executive elections. His decision to contest while incarcerated is also likely to generate further debate over the eligibility and practical implications of his bid as the NPP prepares for its national executive elections.
Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko
