Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has thrown his weight behind the party's Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing him as a "Political Prisoner" following his conviction and imprisonment over illegal mining activities.

In a press statement issued on July 22, Mr Boadu expressed sympathy for Chairman Wontumi and urged members of the NPP to remain united and law-abiding as the party pursues legal avenues to challenge the High Court's decision.

The statement follows the sentencing of Chairman Wontumi by the Accra High Court, where he was handed a 20-year prison term after being found guilty of offences connected to illegal mining on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the sentence shortly after 11:40 a.m. on Monday, July 20, bringing to a close one of Ghana's most high-profile prosecutions relating to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment should the fine remain unpaid.

Reacting to the court's decision, Mr Boadu said he had followed recent developments involving Chairman Wontumi "with deep concern and sympathy", describing the Ashanti Regional Chairman as a brother and reaffirming his support.

• READ ALSO: Chairman Wontumi sentenced to 20 years in prison

"I have followed the recent developments involving our brother, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), with deep concern and sympathy," the statement said.

The former NPP General Secretary further endorsed the party's position that Chairman Wontumi's incarceration is politically motivated.

"The New Patriotic Party is a family, and in moments of difficulty, we stand together. I join the Party in expressing our firm belief that Chairman Wontumi is a Political Prisoner, and I stand in full solidarity with him, his family, and his supporters."

The description of Chairman Wontumi as a "Political Prisoner" reflects the position expressed by Mr Boadu and sections of the NPP. The High Court convicted and sentenced him following criminal proceedings over illegal mining offences.

While criticising the circumstances surrounding Chairman Wontumi's imprisonment, Mr Boadu appealed to party supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined.

He urged members of the NPP not to allow emotions to lead to actions that could undermine public order, stressing that the party leadership would continue to pursue all lawful means available to seek relief through the courts.

"I respectfully urge all NPP members and supporters to remain calm, united, disciplined, and law-abiding while the Party leadership pursues every lawful avenue to secure his earliest release. Let us rise above provocation and continue to uphold the democratic values and traditions of our party."

Mr Boadu urged members of the NPP to remain united during what he described as a difficult period for the party.

"Our strength lies in our unity, resilience, and faith in justice. May God grant Chairman Wontumi strength and protection, and may truth and justice prevail," he wrote.