Ghana: Wontumi's Chairmanship Bid Despite Incarceration Sparks Debate

• Chairman Wontumi is contesting the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) national chairmanship despite serving a 20-year prison sentence.
• Supporters intend to pick up nomination forms on his behalf, citing concerns over his eligibility under the party's constitution.
• The NPP's constitution bars members convicted and sentenced for certain offences from contesting for party positions.
• Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah argues that nothing legally prevents Chairman Wontumi from picking up or filing nomination forms.

Chairman Wontumi is a politician, his friends believe in his ambition, and they are going to make sure that his form will be picked, submitted and filed.

Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah, spokesperson for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has stated that his client's incarceration will not deter him from contesting the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) national chairmanship. According to Dr. Boakye-Dankwah, supporters of Chairman Wontumi intend to pick up nomination forms on his behalf before the end of the week, despite concerns over his eligibility under the party's constitution. This move comes as a surprise given that Chairman Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

The NPP's constitution bars members convicted and sentenced for certain offences from contesting for party positions, but Dr. Boakye-Dankwah argues that nothing legally prevents Chairman Wontumi from picking up or filing nomination forms. He claims that supporters view Chairman Wontumi as a political prisoner and believe he should be allowed to contest.

The campaign team is expected to proceed with the process and deal with any challenges that might arise later. Nomination forms are set to be picked up on Friday, after which they will be taken to Chairman Wontumi to sign before being submitted.

The NPP's constitution is clear in its provisions regarding the eligibility of members convicted and sentenced for certain offences from contesting for party positions. However, Dr. Boakye-Dankwah seems to be relying on a different interpretation of the constitution, arguing that nothing legally prevents Chairman Wontumi from picking up or filing nomination forms.

It is worth noting that Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

The case highlights the complexities of Ghana's laws and regulations regarding illegal mining activities. Chairman Wontumi's conviction has sparked concerns over his eligibility to contest for party positions, but Dr. Boakye-Dankwah remains confident that his client will be able to overcome any challenges that may arise.

The implications of Chairman Wontumi's chairmanship bid despite incarceration are far-reaching and have significant consequences for the NPP. The party's constitution is clear in its provisions regarding the eligibility of members convicted and sentenced for certain offences from contesting for party positions.

If Chairman Wontumi is successful in his bid, it could set a precedent for other politicians who may be facing similar challenges. It also raises questions over the interpretation of the NPP's constitution and the role of supporters in facilitating their candidate's nomination process.

The case highlights the need for clarity and consistency in Ghana's laws and regulations regarding party politics and eligibility. The outcome will have significant implications for the NPP and its members, as well as for the country's political landscape.

Lawyers advising clients on the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) national chairmanship bid should be aware that a politician currently serving a 20-year prison sentence may still contest for the position, despite concerns over eligibility under the party's constitution.

Source: Original reporting via Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah