Gov't harassing people without evidence worrying - Ahiagbah on Wontumi’s release by CID

Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticized government-sanctioned harassment. He claims this harassment targets individuals without solid evidence.

His comments follow the release of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. He was released by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

On Joy FM’s Top Story on May 26, Mr. Ahiagbah expressed concern about how the CID treated Chairman Wontumi. He accused authorities of acting without proper justification.

“He's been released on bail after harassment,” he said. “They seized his account and created an impression of wrongdoing without evidence.”

Mr. Ahiagbah added that it is troubling for the government to operate this way. Harassing people without proof leads to unnecessary suffering.

Chairman Wontumi was invited by the CID over allegations related to illegal mining (galamsey). He was interrogated in front of his legal team and provided documentation proving he is a licensed small-scale miner.

Mr. Ahiagbah emphasized that documentation distinguishes a galamseyer from a legal miner. “Chairman Wontumi showed them his papers,” he stated.

He noted that if the government had evidence against him, they would have presented it but did not.

While acknowledging that the investigation remains open, Mr. Ahiagbah stressed that the state must prove its case. He believes they have failed to justify their actions.

“It is sad that someone’s reputation can be damaged without evidence,” he said. “Is the government truly fighting galamsey or just creating political optics?”