Deputy Attorney-General Describes NPP’s Claims of Political Persecution in Wontumi Conviction as ‘Shocking’
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, has dismissed claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was politically motivated.
According to Dr Srem-Sai, it is “shocking” that the NPP continues to portray the court’s decision as an act of political persecution despite the nature of the evidence presented during the trial.
He explained that a significant portion of the evidence the court relied on in reaching its verdict was introduced by the defence itself, making allegations of political interference difficult to justify.
“Most of the evidence we had that the judgment relied on came from their defence. It is shocking the NPP are claiming Wontumi’s conviction is political persecution,” Dr Srem-Sai stated.
His comments come in the wake of growing criticism from sections of the opposition party following Chairman Wontumi’s conviction over illegal mining-related offences. Several NPP figures and supporters have argued that the prosecution was driven by political considerations rather than the rule of law.
However, the Deputy Attorney-General maintained that the judicial process was conducted independently and based on evidence presented before the court. He stressed that the verdict reflected the merits of the case and not any political agenda.
The conviction has continued to generate intense public debate, with supporters of both the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition NPP expressing differing views on the outcome.
Dr Srem-Sai urged the public to respect the independence of the courts and avoid politicising judicial decisions, insisting that confidence in Ghana’s justice system depends on allowing the law to take its course without partisan interpretations.
