The Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, Nyonkopa Daniels, has expressed serious concern over what she describes as a “twisted narrative” surrounding the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in connection with alleged illegal mining activities.
According to Daniels, both the opposition government and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have inadvertently allowed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and associates of Chairman Wontumi owner of Akonta Mining, the company at the centre of the controversy to manipulate the facts.
She argued that this manipulation seeks to create a false impression of a political witch-hunt or unfair prosecution.
Speaking on the Frontline programme on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the peace advocate emphasized that the public has witnessed the extent of the environmental damage and unauthorised mining activities allegedly perpetrated by Akonta Mining.
She further noted that the previous administration, despite evidence of wrongdoing, failed to prosecute the case — allegedly for political reasons.
Madam Daniels therefore strongly advised government communicators and their counterparts in the NDC to actively counter what she described as the NPP’s attempts 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,” Daniels stated emphatically.
“The government must therefore respond to all the lies and fabrications to halt the spread of misinformation.”
Daniels also 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 remarked.
She expressed concern over what she perceives as a leadership void at the NDC headquarters, suggesting that key officials appear preoccupied with securing government appointments rather than strengthening party structures.
“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 tread carefully and stop chasing after positions,” she cautioned.
“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,” she warned.
The Peace Watch Ghana Director also warned that the NDC is facing a potential leadership crisis, as several national officers who should be uniting the party are now focused on government appointments.
She cautioned that this could seriously damage the NDC and compromise its ability to mobilize its base ahead of future elections.
Daniels recommended that all national executives who have accepted government appointments should resign, allowing the party to appoint interim leaders to manage its affairs effectively.
“The grassroots are annoyed and feel they are being neglected.
“Asiedu Nketiah, the party’s Chairman, must address this issue immediately. Given his experience, he should not allow this to happen,” she urged.
She specifically mentioned some officials she believes have abandoned their roles.
“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 by then, it will be too late,” she concluded.
