The General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has accused the government of using the conviction of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a distraction from what he described as Ghana’s more pressing national challenges.Addressing a press conference following Chairman Wontumi’s conviction and sentencing by the Accra High Court on Monday, July 20, Mr Kodua argued that no government should use criminal prosecutions to create what he called “the appearance of success” while critical issues confronting the country remain unresolved.His comments came after the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi 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 custodial sentence of three years should the fine remain unpaid.Speaking to journalists, Mr Kodua said the government ought to concentrate on addressing the country’s most urgent challenges rather than, in his view, relying on selective prosecutions to project success in the fight against illegal mining.“No Government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he said.According to the NPP General Secretary, Ghanaians expect leadership that is focused on solving the country’s economic, environmental and security challenges rather than pursuing what he characterised as politically motivated legal actions.Mr Kodua argued that Ghana is currently facing a range of serious challenges requiring urgent attention from the government.He cited the continued destruction caused by illegal mining, particularly its impact on cocoa farms, farming communities and the environment, as one of the issues demanding sustained national action.The NPP General Secretary also referred to recent flooding in parts of the country, expressing concern over what he described as an inadequate government response to affected communities.In addition, he highlighted growing security concerns and the increasing threat of terrorism within the West African sub-region, insisting that these matters should remain at the forefront of the government’s agenda.According to him, citizens expect decisive leadership capable of safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods and strengthening national security.Mr Kodua reiterated the NPP’s position that Chairman Wontumi’s conviction was not supported by the evidence presented during the trial.“There is no justification for the judgment since the judge obviously ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi,” he alleged.The High Court nevertheless found Chairman Wontumi guilty after hearing the evidence and legal arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence. Mr Kodua’s remarks represent the party’s assessment of the judgement.Seeking to reassure party supporters, Mr Kodua said Chairman Wontumi would continue to receive the full backing of the NPP despite his conviction.“Finally, let me assure all members of the New Patriotic Party and the good people of Ghana that Chairman Wontumi is not alone,” he said.He stressed that the party remained united behind its Ashanti Regional Chairman and would continue to support him throughout the legal process.The NPP General Secretary disclosed that the party’s legal team had already begun taking steps to challenge the High Court’s decision through the appellate courts.“Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process,” he announced.The appeal is expected to seek a review of both the conviction and the sentence imposed on Chairman Wontumi.Mr Kodua stated that the NPP considers Chairman Wontumi to be a “political prisoner”.“The NPP considers Wontumi a political prisoner,” he declared.