Former Environment Minister Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has reacted advised Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to be guided and know that power does not last forever.
He was responding to the denial by the minister that he was engaged in illegal mining.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah denied allegations made in the 37-page report on illegal mining, which accused him of being behind a plan to destroy former Minister for Science, Environment, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.
He was accused of organizing a secret meeting with journalists from both the NPP and NDC on 8th February 2020 in Dodowa to discuss a strategy to bring him down, which led to subsequent negative media reports about him.
However, Mr Oppong Nkrumah described the claims as completely false.
According to him, he only attended a PRINPAG (Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana) event, jointly organised with the Bank of Ghana on financial reporting, and never held any meeting to oust anybody from the government.
“How the former Minister morphs this event into a secret strategy conclave, with his downfall as the objective is completely beyond my imagination. The participants from the Bank of Ghana and PRINPAG will be shocked and saddened to read this claim of such an otherwise highly-held man”.
The Information Minister said he was disappointed in the man he held in high esteem.
He also said he had forgiven the former minister and asked that he leave him out of his personal fights.
But Prof. Frimpong-Boateng in reaction advised the Minister to do his work diligently and avoid the coded and evil tactics.
He also told him that the power he holds would soon be over and he would experience how it feels like to be out of power.
“My advice is, always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescent.
In about 2 years’ time you may no longer be in government and you may experience the real world as former high profile political powerholders do.”
Read the full statement below
FRIMPONG-BOATENG’S RESPONSE TO OPPONG NKRUMAH
Dear Mr. Oppong Nkrumah,
have read your response to what I wrote about you in the report I sent to the Chief of Staff a little over two years ago.
You have denied what I wrote and that is normal. Very few people in your position will own up to their wrongdoings.
I have good advice for you, though. When I was part of the government, we were colleagues and I related to you as such. Now I will advise you as my son, just as I do my children. After all you are the same age as my 4th born son. When I returned to Ghana from Germany to start the cardiothoracic project you were just 6 years old as my 4th child. I will not lie to you or insult you or be harsh on you.
My advice is, always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescent.
In about 2 years’ time you may no longer be in government and you may experience the real world as former high profile political powerholders do.
I will urge you to do your work diligently and avoid the coded and evil tactics
Mr. Paul Adom Okyere boastfully and unashamedly told the world on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ that you employ to deal with your real and perceived enemies.
Let me touch briefly on Illegal mining.
Last week someone from your constituency sent me a video recording of illegal mining activities close to your hometown.
I don’t want to believe that what the person said about your role is true. The important thing is that Chinese and their Ghanaian collaborators are engaged in illegal mining at your doorstep.
I encourage you to investigate it and take appropriate action.
The President of the Republic assures Ghanaians again and again that he is serious with the fight against Illegal mining.
As you well know, illegal mining does not only refer to non-possession of a concession or mining permits but also the following:
- Mining close to water bodies
- Diversion of tailings into water bodies
- Mining in the water bodies
- Use of dangerous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide
- Engagement of foreigners in small scale mining
- Non-reclamation of mined out areas.
Have a blessed day.
mDr
Prof. Dr. Med. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng
Accra, 23″ April 2023
