The spokesperson for former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has emphatically stated that his imprisonment will not impede his ambition to become the party’s National Chairman. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Wednesday, August 19, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah affirmed that supporters are diligently collecting nomination forms on Wontumi’s behalf, despite existing concerns regarding his eligibility under the NPP’s constitution. This statement comes amidst a complex situation concerning the legal implications of his imprisonment, which has sparked considerable debate within the NPP leadership. Dr. Boakye-Dankwah emphasized that the decision to prioritize the nomination process is firmly rooted in the party’s position on the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi, viewing him as a political prisoner. He clarified that the supporters’ actions are driven by a belief that Wontumi’s legal situation should not be a hindrance to his participation in the internal election contest. Specifically, he asserted that the decision was predicated on the party’s stance regarding the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi, considering him a political figure requiring protection. The spokesperson acknowledged the provisions of the NPP constitution concerning members convicted and sentenced for offenses, highlighting that the decision to pick up nomination forms was initiated solely based on the party’s position on the imprisonment of Wontumi. He further disclosed that the nomination forms are scheduled for collection on Friday and will subsequently be taken to Wontumi for his signature before being formally filed, ensuring the commencement of the nomination process. Dr. Boakye-Dankwah also strongly refuted calls for Wontumi to suspend his political ambitions and concentrate solely on his legal case, asserting that the former Ashanti Regional Chairman had already made significant progress throughout his campaign, having extensively toured all 16 regions and the 276 constituencies. He emphasized that Chairman Wontumi’s initial foray into the competition was a crucial step, having already established a strong presence in the electoral landscape. Regarding the sentencing, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, presiding at the Criminal Division of the High Court, handed down a sentence of 20 years in prison, accompanied by a substantial fine of GH¢120,000, along with an additional three-year prison term in default of payment. The legal proceedings, which commenced on Monday, July 20, 2026, involve the sentencing of Chairman Wontumi for illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court’s decision underscores the complexities of the NPP’s internal politics and succession planning, particularly given the five potential candidates vying for the National Chairman position within the next 2028 elections. The NPP’s strategic focus is now centered on revitalizing the party’s political standing ahead of the upcoming elections.”}” ,”tags”: [
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Source: Adom Online
