Peter Amewu express solidarity with jailed Chairman Wontumi, calls for fairness in justice

Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John-Peter Amewu, has expressed solidarity with Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his conviction and custodial sentence.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, 22 July 2026, Mr. Amewu said he received the news “with deep shock and profound concern,” describing the development as a matter of grave national interest.

The former minister, who also served as NPP Regional Chairman for the Volta Region, stated that while he respects the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, he is concerned about the severity of the sentence imposed on the Ashanti Regional Chairman.

“As a citizen of Ghana, a former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and a long-standing member of the New Patriotic Party tradition, I wish to state clearly that I respect the rule of law,” Mr. Amewu said. “Ghana’s democracy can only survive when all persons, regardless of political standing, remain subject to the law.”

He however noted that respect for the rule of law also includes the right to raise concerns where a sentence appears disproportionate. “Respect for the rule of law also includes the right to express concern where a sentence appears severe, shocking, or capable of raising legitimate questions about proportionality, fairness, and the broader administration of justice,” he added.

Mr. Amewu recounted his working relationship with Chairman Wontumi, recalling how they collaborated to reorganize and strengthen the NPP after the party’s 2008 election loss. “In the period leading to the 2016 general elections, when I served as the Regional Chairman of the NPP in the Volta Region, I worked closely with Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako... to help reorganise, mobilise, and strengthen the party,” he stated.

“It is against this personal and political background that I express my solidarity with Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako and his family at this difficult moment,” the statement continued.

Addressing the issue of illegal mining, Mr. Amewu said the fight against the menace must be firm and non-partisan, but must also preserve justice and due process. He described a 20-year sentence with hard labour as raising broader questions about environmental protection, criminal accountability and humane justice.

The former minister welcomed the decision to pursue appellate processes, urging party members and Ghanaians to remain calm and allow the courts to review the matter. “The appeal courts exist precisely to review questions of law, proportionality, sentencing discretion, and possible errors in principle,” he said.

Mr. Amewu clarified that, his solidarity with Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako is not a rejection of the rule of law, rather, it is a call for the rule of law to operate fully, fairly, transparently, and proportionately extended prayers and support to the convict, his family, the Ashanti Region NPP, and the wider party.

The former Minister called on all Ghanaians to reflect on the state of the justice system and democracy. “May justice be done, and may Ghana remain united, lawful, and peaceful.

   Comments0