<h1><br></h1><p>Speaking at a press conference shortly after the judgment, the party's General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, rejected the High Court's decision, arguing that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence to justify the conviction. He maintained that the verdict amounted to political persecution and pledged that the party would challenge it through the appellate courts.</p><p>The NPP contended that the court relied on inferences instead of proven facts in convicting Chairman Wontumi over offences linked to illegal mining activities involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. According to the party, the judgment raises concerns about fairness and the impartial administration of justice.</p><p>The court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple counts related to illegal mining operations at Samreboi in the Western Region. The case has attracted significant national attention due to his prominent role within the opposition party and the government's intensified campaign against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.</p><p>Several senior NPP officials, Members of Parliament and party executives attended the press conference in a show of solidarity with the embattled regional chairman. Party leaders insisted they would exhaust all legal avenues to overturn the conviction, describing the sentence as excessive and politically motivated.</p><p>The judgment has generated mixed reactions across the political divide. While the NPP has criticised the ruling as unjust and announced plans to appeal, some governance and environmental advocates have welcomed the conviction, arguing that it demonstrates Ghana's commitment to holding individuals accountable for illegal mining offences regardless of political affiliation.</p><p>Photo credit: graphiconline</p>