Madam Nyonkopa Daniels, the Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, has voiced serious concern over what she terms a “twisted narrative” surrounding the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in connection with alleged illegal mining activities.
Madam Daniels contends that both the ruling government and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have inadvertently allowed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and associates of Chairman Wontumi, the owner of Akonta Mining—the company at the centre of the controversy—to manipulate the facts. This manipulation, she argues, aims to create a false impression of a political witch-hunt or unfair prosecution.
Speaking on the ‘Frontline’ program on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the peace advocate stressed that the public witnessed the extent of the environmental damage and unauthorised mining activities allegedly perpetrated by the company.
She further posited that the previous administration, despite this evidence, failed to prosecute the case, allegedly for political reasons.
She has therefore strongly advised government communicators and their counterparts in the NDC to actively counter the NPP’s efforts to control the public narrative.
”The Wontumi saga is a serious issue, and the NPP is actively attempting to twist facts and peddle falsehoods to deceive Ghanaians,” Madam Daniels stated emphatically. “The government must therefore respond to all the lies and fabrications to halt the spread of misinformation.”
Madam Daniels shifted her critique to the NDC, observing a critical lapse in communication following the elections. “I have observed that after the elections, the NDC has conflated the government with the party. This should not be the case. The party’s communication must remain strong and respond effectively to all the lies the NPP is spreading.”
She expressed concern over a perceived leadership void at the NDC’s headquarters, suggesting key officials were preoccupied with securing government appointments.
”Wontumi’s troubles began under the NPP, and their government refused to take action against him. It is therefore crucial for both the government and the NDC to effectively counter the NPP’s fabricated claims. The NPP is on a mission to discredit the government, and the NDC must thread with caution and cease chasing after positions,” she cautioned.
She continued, lamenting the absence of key communicators: “I don’t wish Wontumi ill, but he has fallen foul of the law and must be dealt with accordingly. Yet, his party is spewing lies and falsehoods that the NDC must address, but those responsible for doing so are unavailable. If they continue this way, the NPP will succeed in destroying both the government and the party.”
Warning Against Neglect of Grassroots
Madam Daniels also warned that the NDC is facing a potential leadership crisis due to officials who should be uniting the party now prioritizing appointments.
She warned that such an act could seriously damage the NDC and compromise its ability to mobilise its base for upcoming elections.
She recommended that all individuals holding national executive positions who have secured government appointments should resign, allowing the party to appoint interim leaders to manage its affairs.
She highlighted that members at the grassroots level are feeling neglected and are vocalizing their displeasure, warning that if this neglect persists, the NDC is heading for “bitter lessons.”
”The grassroots are annoyed and feel they are being neglected. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah, the party’s Chairman, must address this issue immediately. Given his experience, he should not allow this to happen,” she urged.
She singled out key officials: “Those party leaders who have been appointed must resign, and new people appointed in the interim to continue managing the party. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, Sammy Gyamfi, and Fiifi Kwetey have all been given appointments and have seemingly abandoned their posts, allowing the NPP to spew lies. If they continue, the party will soon hit a snag, and it would be too late.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
