Accra: The national security apparatus, including the police and military, is on high alert following the sentencing of Benard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and businessman, to 20 years in prison for his involvement in illegal mining activities. The heightened security measures arise from concerns that the sentencing is part of an agenda to combat illegal mining from top to bottom, as opposed to what some describe as an attack on democracy.
According to Ghana Web, state intelligence agencies have been closely monitoring the Ashanti Region, focusing on locations linked to the NPP for any signs of gatherings that might indicate planned assemblies. The intelligence efforts include tracking activities that could suggest illegal crowd gatherings intended to disrupt public peace and order.
The Inquirer has learned that while intelligence agencies have not explicitly stated their intentions to infiltrate NPP communication platforms like WhatsApp, there is speculation that such actions might be legally justified if they prevent disruptions to law and order and if evidence is admissible in court.
Chairman Wontumi and his legal team have appealed the conviction, which the NPP perceives as a politically motivated effort to weaken the party ahead of the December 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections. The party argues that while illegal mining is a national concern, the legal framework lacks clarity on the punishment severity, as demonstrated in Wontumi's case.
The demonstration, titled "Democracy Under Attack," is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Organizers argue that the investigation and prosecution of the former NPP Ashanti Region Chairman were expedited, reflecting a government agenda to target NPP leaders and undermine the party's ability to participate effectively in the democratic process.
Promotional materials released by the NPP following a press conference led by Henry Nana Boakye indicate that the protest will start at 6:00 a.m. from the Supreme Court and conclude at Jubilee House in Accra. Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an NPP communications team member and spokesperson for former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, emphasized that the protest aims to address what he describes as government attempts to suppress dissent and weaken democratic institutions.