Professor Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, has launched a scathing attack on the former ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), predicting potential jail time for some of its members due to actions she deems detrimental to the welfare of Ghanaians. Her accusations center on alleged widespread corruption and a deliberate cover-up of various offenses committed during the NPP’s tenure, particularly concerning the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. Fosu-Mensah, an associate professor in Environmental Assessment at the University of Ghana, asserts that the NPP government shielded its appointees from prosecution despite clear evidence of wrongdoing, effectively obstructing justice and perpetuating harmful practices.
Fosu-Mensah’s primary contention revolves around the NPP’s alleged inaction against prominent officials involved in galamsey. She argues that the party’s inability to combat illegal mining stemmed from the deep involvement of individuals tasked with leading the fight. This deliberate negligence, she claims, enabled the destructive practice to flourish, resulting in severe environmental damage and jeopardizing public health. She emphasized the hypocrisy of the NPP’s purported commitment to eradicating galamsey while simultaneously protecting its members implicated in the illegal activity. This protection, according to Fosu-Mensah, extended to suppressing evidence and discrediting those who attempted to expose the truth.
Citing the case of Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, former Minister for Environment, Science and Innovation, Fosu-Mensah highlighted the alleged suppression of his report on illegal mining. Frimpong-Boateng, she claims, became a victim of political maneuvering after his attempts to expose the extent of galamsey within the government. His report, according to Fosu-Mensah, was deliberately shelved to protect implicated individuals, demonstrating the NPP’s prioritization of political expediency over national interest. This act, Fosu-Mensah argues, is indicative of a broader pattern of cover-ups and obstruction of justice that characterized the NPP’s governance.
Fosu-Mensah’s accusations extend beyond galamsey to encompass a broader range of alleged financial improprieties by former government officials. She points to recent reports of misconduct as further evidence of the NPP’s corrupt practices, arguing that these actions have had far-reaching consequences for the Ghanaian populace. She draws a direct link between the alleged corruption and the deteriorating state of public health, particularly concerning the contamination of food and water sources with toxins like mercury and cyanide, byproducts of illegal mining. The resulting increase in kidney-related illnesses, she contends, is a direct consequence of the NPP’s failure to address the galamsey crisis and hold perpetrators accountable.
Fosu-Mensah insists that the era of impunity must end and that accountability should be a cornerstone of the new John Mahama-led NDC government. She emphasizes the importance of prosecuting those responsible for harming Ghana and its citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. This commitment to accountability, she argues, is crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring that those who abuse their power are held responsible. She firmly believes that justice must be served to deter future misconduct and safeguard the well-being of Ghanaians.
In essence, Fosu-Mensah’s pronouncements represent a strong indictment of the former NPP government. Her accusations of widespread corruption, deliberate cover-ups, and a disregard for public health paint a bleak picture of the NPP’s legacy. Her insistence on accountability and prosecution of wrongdoers signals a potential shift in the political landscape, with the NDC seemingly committed to pursuing justice for alleged offenses committed during the previous administration. This stance, if followed through, could have significant implications for the political future of many former NPP officials and shape the direction of Ghana’s governance.
