The Ashanti Caucus of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament has urged party supporters, particularly in the Ashanti Region, to avoid actions that could undermine public order following the conviction and sentencing of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The advice comes after the High Court in Accra sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts for which he was convicted in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case. The sentences are to run concurrently. The court also fined him 10,000 penalty units on each count.

Akonta Mining Limited, which was also convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay found Wontumi guilty on Counts One and Four, while Akonta Mining Limited was convicted on Counts Three and Six after ruling that the prosecution had proven all the essential elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Ashanti Caucus and MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the MPs expressed unwavering support for Chairman Wontumi and urged party members to remain calm and united as the legal process continues.

“We therefore call on all members of the New Patriotic Party, particularly in the Ashanti Region, to remain calm, united and resolute. Let us avoid actions that undermine public order while demonstrating, through our unity and discipline, that our faith in Chairman Wontumi and the Party remains unshaken,” the statement said.

The caucus described Chairman Wontumi as a committed party leader whose contribution to the growth and electoral success of the NPP could not be diminished by a single court ruling.

“Chairman Wontumi has, over the years, distinguished himself as a fearless, resilient and selfless leader whose sacrifices and commitment have significantly strengthened the New Patriotic Party in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana,” it stated.

While reaffirming its respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the caucus said Chairman Wontumi has the constitutional right to challenge the judgment through the appellate courts.

“We have every confidence that justice will ultimately prevail through the appeal process,” the MPs said.

The caucus also rejected what it described as attempts to portray the judgment as the end of Chairman Wontumi’s political career, insisting that the ruling should instead strengthen the resolve of party members to support him.

It further cautioned against what it termed the growing perception of selective justice and called for fairness in the application of the law.

“The fight against illegality must be fair, impartial and devoid of political considerations. Justice must never become an instrument for settling political scores or intimidating political opponents,” the statement added.

The MPs assured Chairman Wontumi of their continued support throughout the legal process, stating that he would not face the challenge alone.