“NDC to Pursue looters relentlessly, even If It means targeting Akufo-Addo” – Mustapha Gbande

Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for the arrest and prosecution of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as reported by Ghana Web on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Gbande, who has been in the Ashanti Region following the NPP’s loss in the December 7 national elections, claims Wontumi is responsible for environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, including the destruction of forest reserves and river bodies.

Speaking on Ultimate FM’s Cup of Tea, Gbande expressed frustration at his failure to track down Wontumi, who he believes is evading capture following the NPP’s defeat. “I promised that within a week of winning power, we would arrest Wontumi.

I have been searching for him, but I don’t know where he is hiding,” Gbande said, urging anyone with information about Wontumi’s whereabouts to come forward.

The NDC official emphasized that Wontumi should be held accountable for his actions, which he claims have led to severe environmental degradation.

He explained that Wontumi would be required to compensate the affected regions, including Ashanti, Western, and parts of the Central Region, for the damage caused by illegal mining activities.

“Wontumi will compensate Ashanti, Western Region, and some parts of the Central Region for land degradation, water pollution, and environmental damage,” Gbande stated.

He added that the party would sell Wontumi’s assets, including his mining equipment and property, to fund this compensation.

Gbande also vowed to investigate the mining sites associated with Wontumi’s firm, Akonta Mines, to determine whether he had complied with Ghana’s mining regulations, particularly regarding the reclamation of land post-mining.

“We are going to assess his mining sites to see whether he has done reclamation post-mining,” he said.

The NDC Deputy General Secretary also urged the NPP to distance themselves from Wontumi, whom he described as a “braggart” whose actions have tarnished the party’s image.

Wontumi’s mining operations have come under scrutiny in several exposés, with environmental groups accusing the government of shielding him from justice.