The contentious situation surrounding Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Chairman Wontumi, and the NPP’s ambitious bid for the National Chairmanship position has ignited a significant debate within the Ghanaian political landscape, primarily fueled by a recent criticism from Deputy Director of Elections and IT of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko Computer. Mr. Tanko, in a scathing letter addressed to Adom Online.com, has vehemently questioned the NPP’s decision to nominate Wontumi for the position while he serves a 20-year custodial sentence, alleging a blatant display of lawlessness within the party’s leadership structure.
Mr. Tanko described the situation as a significant challenge to the integrity of the NPP, asserting that a person serving a lengthy custodial sentence cannot effectively lead a political party. His comments follow a report published by Joy FM’s Top Story detailing the NPP’s campaign team’s selection of Wontumi as the candidate for National Chairmanship. The communication from Ewuradwoa Coleman, the Communications Director of the Wontumi campaign team, confirms Mr. Tanko’s commitment to the nomination process.
The crux of Mr. Tanko’s criticism lies in the timing of the appointment, considering Wontumi’s recent conviction by the Accra High Court for illegal mining activities at the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The Accra High Court sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment. Mr. Tanko further highlighted a critical flaw in the NPP’s constitution, specifically Article 3, which outlines disqualification of members based on convictions or sentences, and details a specific provision concerning the length of such sentences. Specifically, Article 3(5)(1)(b)(ii) stipulates that a member is disqualified if convicted and/or sentenced for an offense punishable by death or by a sentence of not less than 10 years, unless 10 years have elapsed after the member served the sentence or the member has been granted a full pardon.
This provision is particularly significant given Wontumi’s current position as the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman. The fact that he was convicted and sentenced to a 20-year term, well above the 10-year threshold stipulated in the party’s rules, raises a fundamental question about the legality and fairness of the NPP’s electoral process. The NPP’s 2025 amended and ratified Constitution contains a clear stipulation regarding eligibility of members convicted or sentenced for offenses punishable by death or a sentence of not less than 10 years, and it further addresses cases involving dishonesty, fraud, and moral turpitude, disqualifying individuals who have served their sentences or received a pardon.
Mr. Tanko argues that the NPP’s decision to allow Wontumi’s candidacy, considering his lengthy incarceration, is a direct challenge to the party’s established rules and could jeopardize the election of the candidate. The legal ramifications of this situation are substantial, and the NPP’s electoral authorities will undoubtedly need to address this issue before allowing Wontumi to proceed with his nomination, potentially impacting the fairness and legitimacy of the upcoming election.
The legal interpretation of this situation will be closely scrutinized by political analysts and legal experts, as it highlights a potential conflict between the party’s constitution and its leadership’s actions. This case underscores a broader concern about the potential for political maneuvering and the impact of convictions on the integrity of the NPP’s electoral system.
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Source: Adom Online
