Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary John Boadu has described Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a “political prisoner” and called on party supporters to remain calm amid his legal challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (22 July), Boadu said he had been following developments surrounding Boasiako with “deep concern and sympathy”, expressing solidarity with the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman.
“The New Patriotic Party is a family, and in moments of difficulty, we stand together,” Boadu said.
He said the party leadership was pursuing “every lawful avenue” to secure Boasiako’s release and urged members not to allow the situation to undermine the party’s unity.
Boadu appealed to NPP supporters across the country to remain “calm, united, disciplined and law-abiding” while the legal process continues.
He also cautioned members against acts of provocation, saying the party should continue to uphold its democratic values.
“Our strength will continue to be anchored in unity, resilience and faith in justice,” he said.
Boadu prayed for strength and protection for Boasiako and his family, expressing hope that “truth and justice” would prevail.
The statement comes after Boasiako was sentenced by a High Court to 20 years’ imprisonment after being convicted in an illegal mining-related case, a ruling that has drawn strong criticism from sections of the opposition NPP.
Senior party officials, including General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, have also described Boasiako as a “political prisoner” and insisted the party will pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the conviction.
The NPP has maintained that the prosecution is politically motivated, while the government has rejected allegations of political interference, insisting the judiciary is independent and that the case followed due legal process.
Source: asaaseradio.com
