C/R NPP Secretary Challenges Mahama: Prosecute NDC Officials Involved in Galamsey Like Wontumi
Richard Takyi-Mensah, the incumbent Central Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticized the 20-year jail sentence with hard labour handed to Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the ruling, which followed his conviction on all counts related to illegal mining, as unfair treatment of the NPP by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with MyNewsGH.com’s Hajia Asana Gordon at the NPP Regional Office during vetting for regional executive aspirants, Takyi-Mensah alleged that several NDC officials are similarly involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and should face the same legal consequences.
He accused the NDC of using the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to facilitate illegal mining activities, despite the party’s campaign promise to eliminate the practice. “The NDC promised Ghanaians during the campaign that it would eliminate galamsey, but NDC officials are now deeply involved in the illegal mining business,” he said.
Expressing disappointment in President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, Takyi-Mensah claimed the NPP possesses evidence implicating some NDC stakeholders, including certain constituency chairmen, in illegal mining operations. He further alleged that the government has been using arrests and strict bail conditions as tools to intimidate political opponents.
Broadening his criticism, Takyi-Mensah faulted the government’s overall performance, accusing it of silencing and intimidating NPP activists. He cited the case of eight Chiana Senior High School students who were dismissed for insulting former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, noting that Akufo-Addo later pardoned them rather than allow the punishment to stand.
Takyi-Mensah concluded by urging NPP members to unite behind a strong campaign strategy ahead of the 2028 general election, aimed at returning the party to power.
