Convener of the Economic Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, says any meetings or support activities organised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will not change the verdict of the court.

Her comments follow the decision by the NPP leadership to commence a review of the court's judgment in the case involving Mr Boasiako as the party considers its next steps following his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.

Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse, Madam Serwah criticised efforts to politically defend individuals convicted over activities she believes have contributed to environmental destruction.

"The NPP can have as many meetings as they want to have. If they want to back somebody who the court has found guilty of destroying our forest reserves and poisoning our water bodies, so be it," she stated.

According to her, illegal mining remains an existential threat to Ghana, and political considerations should not overshadow the need to protect the country's natural resources.

Madam Serwah added that the conviction should serve as a catalyst for further prosecutions of other individuals accused of engaging in illegal mining activities.

She stressed that the fight against galamsey must focus on accountability and ensure that all persons found culpable, regardless of political affiliation, face the law.

She further stated that Chairman Wontumi and his legal team have the right to pursue an appeal, as provided under Ghana's legal system, but stressed that the court's decision must be respected.

"Our legal system allows for appeal, so Chairman Wontumi and his legal team are welcome to appeal at the Supreme Court where the decision would be final," she said.