Nuong Faalong, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, has stated emphatically that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is solely responsible for the legal troubles he currently faces.
Her reaction follows the arrest and detention of Wontumi by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over alleged illegal mining activities and suspicious financial dealings.
“Why has Wontumi been arrested? It’s very clear. It is not a secret arrest. It is not shrouded under anything. It’s been made clear why he has been arrested”
Nuong Faalong, NDC Communications Team Member
According to Faalong, there is no ambiguity surrounding the reasons for Wontumi’s arrest. She noted that the basis for EOCO’s action was well within public knowledge, especially given the gravity of the accusations.
Faalong highlighted specific allegations that include illegal mining within protected areas, mining without permits, and environmental degradation.
She pointed to widely circulated video evidence that allegedly implicates Akonta Mining, a company linked to Wontumi, in the destruction of forest reserves during the tenure of the previous administration.
“We saw the videos of Akonta Mining being accused of destroying our forest reserves, stealing the futures of you and I and our children,” she said.
“Is he above the laws of this country?” Faalong asked, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of political stature, is exempted from the law. She made clear that justice should be served equally.
Selective Justice or Investigative Process?
While acknowledging public sentiments about selective justice, Faalong clarified that Wontumi is not being targeted unjustly. Instead, she insisted the ongoing investigations were legitimate. “The whole matter is being investigated, and he has been invited to come and assist with investigations,” she said.
Faalong further dismissed suggestions that Wontumi was a scapegoat, insisting his personal decisions placed him at the center of controversy. “Wontumi only has himself to blame for his present predicament,” she stated, explaining that his involvement in illegalities was not incidental but a product of conscious choices.
Nuong Faalong also shed light on what she described as an unlawful financial transaction that took place under suspicious circumstances.
She revealed that in January 2025, during the transitional period awaiting the full assumption of office by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, Cocobod transferred GH¢50 million to a construction entity owned by Wontumi.
According to her, this occurred despite a government directive to freeze all financial transfers until the incoming government completed its auditing process. “While there was a complete freeze on all transfers, on all payments, pending for the new government to take over, what did Cocobod and Wontumi do?” she declared.
Faalong contended that this action represented a blatant disregard for official procedures and amounted to lawlessness.
The directive, she stressed, was to allow for a thorough inspection of all certificates before any payments could be processed. Despite this, the transaction went ahead, “completely disregarding the law.”
Faalong argued that lawlessness should not be tolerated and that every citizen must face the consequences of their actions, regardless of their influence or status.
“Look, if you decide that you are going to be lawless in this country, there has to be repercussions. Otherwise, you and I can do anything and think that we’ll get away with it”
Nuong Faalong, NDC Communications Team Member
Her remarks underscored a broader debate on accountability, selective justice, and rule of law in Ghana. As investigations continue, attention remains focused on EOCO and the legal institutions to ensure due process is followed without fear or favour.
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