South Dayi Member of Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has argued that the legal troubles facing Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, did not originate under the current administration, insisting that the previous NPP government had already distanced itself from his alleged activities.

Speaking on the developments following Chairman Wontumi's conviction in the Samreboi illegal mining case in an interview with Channel One TV on Monday, July 20, Mr Dafeamekpor said claims that the prosecution was politically motivated overlooked the fact that the investigations began while the NPP was in government.

According to the Majority Chief Whip, "The NPP government disowned him and said he was engaged in an illegality before the NDC came to power."

He maintained that the circumstances surrounding the case demonstrate that it was not initiated by the current government but had its roots in actions taken under the previous administration.

Mr Dafeamekpor's comments come after the High Court found Chairman Wontumi guilty in the case involving alleged illegal mining activities on the concession of Akonta Mining Company Limited at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The judgment has generated sharp political reactions, with the NPP insisting it will challenge the ruling through the appellate courts.