Gbande says Wontumi case built under Akufo‑Addo
The political fallout from Chairman Wontumi’s 20-year prison sentence has taken a new turn, with NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande arguing that the case that landed the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman behind bars was effectively built by his own party’s government.
According to Gbande, investigations into Wontumi’s mining activities did not begin under the current administration but date back to 2022, when officials under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government moved against operations they considered unlawful.
His comments come as sections of the NPP continue to portray Wontumi’s conviction as politically motivated. Gbande, however, insists the court’s decision was rooted in evidence gathered through processes initiated years before the change of government.
For him, the significance of the case goes beyond one politician. He argues it demonstrates that political influence cannot permanently shield individuals from accountability when questions arise over compliance with mining laws.
Gbande also suggested the loudest celebrations over Wontumi’s imprisonment may not be coming from the opposition. He claimed some figures within the NPP privately welcomed the development, alleging that internal rivalries and concerns over Wontumi’s growing influence had created tensions within the party long before his conviction.
While he said he takes no joy in seeing anyone jailed, the NDC official maintained that the outcome should be viewed as a test of Ghana’s justice system rather than a partisan victory.
“The evidence was already there,” he argued, maintaining that the legal process was set in motion by actions taken during the previous administration.
The comments add another layer to the debate surrounding one of Ghana’s most high-profile illegal mining convictions, as both parties continue to battle over the political implications of the case.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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