The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a 'political prisoner'.

This comes on the back of his conviction and 20-year prison sentence in an illegal mining case.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the party's General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, said the NPP strongly disagrees with the High Court's judgment and has already begun the process of challenging the decision at the Court of Appeal.

• Read also: Chairman Wontumi sentenced to 20 years in prison

"While we respect the authority of our courts, respect for the judiciary does not require silence in the face of a judgment that is fundamentally flawed," Mr Kodua said, insisting that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to challenge judicial decisions through the appellate process.

Chairman Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after the High Court found him guilty in connection with illegal mining activities involving Akonta Mining Limited. The prosecution argued that he unlawfully permitted third parties to mine on the company's concession without the legally required ministerial approval.

The NPP, however, maintains that the conviction was not supported by the evidence presented during the trial.

According to Mr Kodua, it was never disputed that Wontumi lawfully acquired his mineral concession. He argued that the prosecution failed to prove that Wontumi had assigned or transferred his mineral rights, contending that the conviction was based on "assumptions and inferences" rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt.

"We firmly believe that this conviction is a travesty of justice and has to be overturned on appeal," he stated.

The NPP also accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of selectively targeting political opponents while allegedly failing to act against individuals linked to illegal mining within its own ranks.

Mr Kodua claimed the government was using the conviction as a "trophy" to demonstrate commitment to the fight against illegal mining while ignoring allegations involving members of the ruling party. He questioned the status of investigations into several individuals the NPP alleged had been linked to galamsey.

He argued that justice must be applied fairly and consistently.

"The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents... while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President's own party," he said.

Mr Kodua assured supporters that the NPP would stand by its Ashanti Regional Chairman throughout the legal process.

"Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process. The NPP considers Wontumi a POLITICAL PRISONER," he declared.