Gov’t targeting political opponents to victimise, silence them - Ahiagbah on Wontumi's arrest

Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made serious accusations against the government. He claims they are using state institutions to target political opponents. This is happening under the pretense of fighting illegal mining, known as galamsey.

On May 26, Mr. Ahiagbah spoke on Joy FM’s Top Story. He criticized how the government handled the arrest of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). He faced questioning over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. Afterward, he was released on bail after showing documents that proved his operations were legal.

Mr. Ahiagbah argued that the government's actions lacked evidence and were politically motivated. He stated, “This government is just targeting its political opponents to victimise and silence people.” He questioned why officers would raid someone’s house without evidence.

During his interrogation, Wontumi faced two main questions: whether he was a galamseyer and if he mined in a forest reserve. Wontumi answered that he is a licensed small-scale miner and does not operate in forest areas. He provided official documentation to back up his claims.

Mr. Ahiagbah believes this lack of incriminating evidence shows that justice is not the goal here. Instead, it appears to be an attempt to damage Chairman Wontumi’s reputation and intimidate other political figures.

He described this situation as a "classic political witch hunt." He emphasized that targeting Wontumi simply because he is an NPP member is wrong.

Finally, Mr. Ahiagbah questioned whether the government's fight against illegal mining is fair or just a tool for political persecution.