Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has confirmed that Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been transferred to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.

This is to begin serving his 20-year prison sentence following his conviction over illegal mining activities.

Speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosiisen show on Monday, July 20, Dr Boakye-Danquah said he had just parted ways with the NPP regional chairman as prison authorities prepared to transport him to the correctional facility.

"I have just parted ways with him, and he is being taken to Nsawam. How did we get to this stage as a country?" he said.

His confirmation came hours after the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the case, also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. Should the fine remain unpaid, Chairman Wontumi faces an additional default sentence of three years' imprisonment.

Reacting to the court's decision, Dr Boakye-Danquah said the defence team had not anticipated a conviction, maintaining that the evidence presented during the trial did not establish Chairman Wontumi's personal involvement in illegal mining.

"We did not expect this outcome because, based on the evidence we provided, it was clear that there was nothing presented in court that showed Chairman Wontumi was personally involved in illegal mining throughout the proceedings," he stated.

He indicated that the defence had remained optimistic throughout the trial that the evidence would ultimately favour their client.

Dr Boakye-Danquah also disclosed that the defence had expected the trial court to take into account a pending application before the Supreme Court before delivering its judgement.

According to him, the legal team believed the application warranted further consideration before the High Court concluded the matter.

"We were therefore very hopeful that, considering the application that was filed at the Supreme Court, Her Ladyship would take her time to consider the matter. Unfortunately, she did not agree with our position and went ahead to deliver her judgement," he said.

The High Court, however, proceeded to deliver its ruling, convicting and sentencing Chairman Wontumi.

Dr Boakye-Danquah described the outcome as deeply disappointing and expressed concern that the conviction could be perceived as political victimisation because of Chairman Wontumi's status within the opposition New Patriotic Party.

"It is very sad. It feels like a form of political victimisation of a politically exposed individual," he remarked.

He emphasised that Chairman Wontumi occupies one of the most influential positions within the NPP.

"We are not talking about just any other person. We are talking about the sitting Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, the stronghold of the party and the largest opposition party."

Dr Boakye-Danquah's comments reflect his personal assessment of the case. The High Court convicted Chairman Wontumi following criminal proceedings relating to illegal mining activities.

The former government spokesperson further questioned whether authorities would pursue other individuals alleged to be involved in illegal mining with the same level of determination.

"If this is the direction we are taking, while we know that there are others who are actively involved in galamsey, then we will wait and see how things unfold," he said.

He added that, despite the disappointment surrounding the verdict, he hoped the country would remain united.

"We can only hope and pray that our country can come together and find its way forward."

Dr Boakye-Danquah defended Chairman Wontumi's conduct throughout the trial, saying the NPP regional chairman had consistently respected the judicial process.

According to him, Chairman Wontumi honoured every court appearance and cooperated fully with the proceedings from the outset.

"Chairman Wontumi has been law-abiding throughout this case. There was not a single day that he failed to appear in court. We have been very cooperative with the court and followed due process," he said.

He suggested that the accused's compliance demonstrated his willingness to submit himself to the authority of the courts while the case progressed.