Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have gathered at the forecourt of the party’s office in Asokwa, Kumasi, for a vigil in support of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The vigil, being held on Friday, August 14, 2026, is intended to show solidarity with Mr Boasiako following his conviction and 20-year prison sentence over offences linked to illegal mining activities at Akonta Mining’s Samreboi concession.
The gathering has attracted party supporters who say they want to encourage Chairman Wontumi during his incarceration and demonstrate that he continues to have the backing of the NPP and its supporters.
Speaking to the media, Fredrick Agyemang Mensah, Kwabre East Constituency Chairman and chairman of the planning committee for the vigil, said the gathering was intended to give Wontumi hope during his incarceration.
“Our message tonight is to give him hope that Chairman you are not alone, Ashanti is behind you. The NPP is behind you. Mind you, our chairman has paid his dues to this party. Wontumi has gone through all the odds. He has sacrificed, he has worked hard and been through it all. So today, if he finds himself in this situation, it will only be proper that as party faithfuls, we will show our solidarity,” he said.
Mr Mensah said the supporters would continue to stand by Wontumi as he challenges his conviction and sentence through the legal process.
The vigil comes as Wontumi’s legal team pursues an appeal against his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.
He was convicted on two counts relating to the unlawful assignment of mineral rights without the required ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations at Akonta Mining’s Samreboi concession.
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