The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has questioned the status of petitions filed against National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Organiser Joseph Yamin and the party’s Third National Vice Chairman, Abanga Yakubu, following the conviction and sentencing of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The development 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 convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, July 20, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong questioned why petitions and allegations involving some NDC officials had not received similar attention.
He argued that accountability should be applied equally, regardless of political affiliation, and called for transparency on the progress of the petitions involving the NDC officials.
“What has become of the petition submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Mr Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, and Abanga Yakubu, Vice Chairman of the NDC? We are asking these questions,” he said.
Mr Kodua also cited allegations involving Ahafo Ano South East MP Mohammed Yakubu and the District Chief Executive for the area.
“Mr President, what has happened to Honourable Mohammed Yakubu, NDC MP for Ahafo Ano South East, and his DCE, who was sacked from a chief’s palace after they were alleged to have been heavily involved in galamsey in their traditional area?” he asked.
He further questioned the status of allegations against the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi.
“What happened to the NDC MP for Aowin, Honourable Oscar Ofori Larbi, who was accused by the chiefs and the people of Aowin, as well as the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, of engaging in galamsey? Why has the nation not witnessed the same level of urgency and determination in those matters? Justice cannot be selective,” he stated.
According to the NPP General Secretary, the fight against illegal mining would only be credible if allegations against all persons, regardless of political affiliation, were investigated.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents in respect of whom evidence of wrongdoing does not exist, while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own party,” he said.
Mr Kodua also urged the government to focus on what he described as more pressing national challenges, including illegal mining, flooding and security threats.
“Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates agency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security. No government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he added.
