'We have not regretted standing with jailed Chairman Wontumi' — Campaign Team after Court Conviction

The Chairman Wontumi Campaign has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following the High Court's decision to sentence him to 20 years' imprisonment over offences linked to illegal mining.

In a statement issued on Monday, the campaign described the ruling as one of the most challenging moments in the political life of Chairman Wontumi, his family and his supporters.

The campaign also endorsed the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) decision to challenge the judgment, expressing confidence in the appellate process.

"We fully support the party's commitment to pursuing every lawful avenue available through the appellate process, and we remain confident that the judicial process has not reached its final conclusion," the statement said.

It commended Chairman Wontumi for what it described as his years of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the NPP, arguing that his contributions to the party's growth and success remain significant.

The campaign maintained that those achievements "cannot be erased by a single judgment".

It further urged party faithful and sympathisers not to despair, insisting that the legal process remains ongoing.

"As the party has rightly indicated, the legal process is far from exhausted. Chairman Wontumi's legal team will now take the appropriate steps available under the law," the statement noted.

The campaign called on supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the appeal process takes its course. It also urged members to refrain from making inflammatory comments or engaging in actions that could undermine the judicial process, stressing that the party's response should reflect discipline, maturity and respect for democratic institutions.

Reaffirming its loyalty, the campaign declared its continued support for Chairman Wontumi and his family despite the conviction.

"We have not regretted standing with Chairman Wontumi. We do not regret it today, and we will not regret it tomorrow. Loyalty is not tested in moments of triumph; it is revealed in moments of adversity," the statement said.