NPP supporters hold vigil for Wontumi after 20-year jail sentence

Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have gathered at the party’s office in Asokwa, Kumasi, for a vigil to express solidarity with the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The Friday, August 14, 2026, vigil is aimed at showing support for Wontumi following his conviction and 20-year prison sentence over offences connected to illegal mining activities at Akonta Mining’s Samreboi concession.

Party supporters at the gathering said they wanted to encourage the embattled chairman and assure him that he continues to have the backing of the NPP and its members.

Fredrick Agyemang Mensah, Kwabre East Constituency Chairman and head of the vigil’s planning committee, said the event was organised to give Wontumi hope while he serves his sentence.

He stressed that Wontumi had made significant contributions and sacrifices to the NPP over the years and deserved the support of party members during his current difficulties.

Mr Mensah added that the party faithful would continue to stand by Wontumi as his legal team challenges the conviction and sentence through the courts.

The vigil comes as Wontumi’s lawyers pursue an appeal against the 20-year prison term.

He was convicted on two charges involving the unlawful assignment of mineral rights without the necessary ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining activities at Akonta Mining’s Samreboi concession.