A video showing members and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) preparing for a planned vigil in support of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has sparked reactions on social media.
The footage captures preparations by NPP supporters ahead of the solidarity event, which is expected to bring together party members and sympathisers seeking to demonstrate their support for the embattled regional chairman.
The planned vigil comes against the backdrop of Wontumi’s recent conviction and imprisonment following an illegal mining case involving his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labour after being found guilty of illegally permitting unlicensed mining operations on the company’s concession at Samreboi in Ghana’s Western Region.
The development has generated considerable political discussion, particularly within the NPP, where party members in the Ashanti Region have maintained that Wontumi deserves the party’s support as he pursues legal avenues to challenge the conviction.
The Ashanti Regional Constituency Chairmen’s Caucus has announced that the vigil will be held on August 14, 2026, at the DMB Regional Office in Asokwa, on the eve of the party’s Ashanti Regional executive elections.
According to the organisers, the event is intended to demonstrate solidarity with Wontumi and highlight what they describe as his contribution to the party during his tenure as Ashanti Regional Chairman.
The caucus has called on constituency executives, party faithful and well-wishers across the region to participate in the gathering. Organisers have also indicated that the event will be conducted peacefully and in a disciplined manner.
The announcement followed an earlier decision by the Ashanti Regional NPP leadership to organise a solidarity visit to Wontumi at Nsawam Prison. Acting Regional Chairman Patrick Acheampong said the party would arrange buses to transport supporters to the prison before holding a vigil to demonstrate their loyalty to their chairman.
The preparations for the vigil have now become a subject of online discussion after a video showing supporters getting ready for the event circulated widely.
Some social media users have expressed support for the gathering, viewing it as an indication of the strength of Wontumi’s relationship with grassroots members of the party. Others have questioned the decision to organise a vigil for a politician who is currently serving a prison sentence following a court conviction.
The controversy reflects the wider political debate surrounding Wontumi’s conviction. NPP officials in the Ashanti Region have argued that he has been treated unfairly and have pledged to support efforts to appeal the court’s decision.
Patrick Acheampong has also called for the rule of law to be applied without political bias, arguing that all individuals involved in illegal mining activities should be treated equally.
Meanwhile, the upcoming vigil is expected to coincide with an important period for the NPP in the Ashanti Region, as the party prepares for its regional elections on August 15.
With preparations already underway, attention has shifted to the scale of participation expected at the event and the message supporters intend to send through the gathering.
For Wontumi’s supporters, the vigil represents an opportunity to reaffirm their loyalty to the politician and recognise his years of leadership within the Ashanti Region NPP.
Members of the New Patriotic Party and supporters of the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Chairman Wontumi are reportedly preparing to host a candlelight vigil in his honour on Friday.
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— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) August 11, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
