The recent arrest and subsequent bail of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has sparked debate across Ghana.
While some sympathize with Wontumi, particularly within NPP circles, some members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) believe his ordeal serves as a crucial lesson for corrupt officials and human rights abusers.
Kofi Awiah and Yaw Obimpeh, both staunch NDC activists from the Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti region, argue that Wontumi’s predicament is a direct result of his own actions.
They maintain that the laws of Ghana should be applied equally to all citizens, regardless of their social standing.
“Wontumi wasn’t arrested out of political hatred or for the sake of an arrest,” stated Kofi Awiah. “He committed a crime against the state, and the laws have to be applied.”
Yaw Obimpeh echoed this sentiment, adding, “If no one caught Chairman Wontumi, he would pocket the money while Ghanaians continue to suffer, blaming President John Dramani Mahama and his NDC government.
Why should Wontumi be sympathized with?”
The two NDC activists credited the current administration, led by President Mahama, for holding Wontumi accountable. They allege that the actions that led to Wontumi’s arrest originated during the tenure of President Akuffo Addo, but he was allegedly shielded due to political affiliation.
They laud President Mahama for “stripping Wontumi naked” and exposing alleged corrupt activities.
According to Awiah and Obimpeh, Wontumi allegedly amassed wealth and operated with impunity during the Akuffo Addo administration, allegedly trampling on the rights of others without consequence.
They believe the current situation serves as a necessary reckoning.
“Mahama deserves praises for coming out to broke the corrupt activities that have been troubling the country during Akuffo Addo regime,” they asserted.
“Chairman Wontumi’s family members and cohorts can sympathize with him, but not Ghanaians.”
The NDC activists expressed hope that Wontumi’s experience will act as a deterrent to other corrupt officials, encouraging them to reconsider their actions and prioritize the progress of the country.
They further called on the government to avoid witch-hunting and political bias when dealing with corruption allegations.
Ultimately, Awiah and Obimpeh appealed for an intensified effort to clamp down on and prosecute all corrupt elements in society, regardless of political affiliation, for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
They believe that consistent and impartial application of the law is crucial for fostering a just and equitable society, and that Wontumi’s case should serve as a wake-up call for those engaging in corrupt practices and human rights abuses.
