Paul Kwabena Yandoh, Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has described the hardships faced by his regional chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi as surpassing even the biblical suffering of Job.
Speaking during an interview on Kumasi-based Nhyira FM monitored by Kumasimail, Yandoh drew parallels between the ordeal faced by Chairman Wontumi under the John Mahama-led administration and the trials of Job, who, according to the Bible, lost his wealth, children, and health after a divine test.
Chairman Wontumi is currently entangled in legal battles over allegations of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. The state has brought multiple charges against him and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, including unauthorized assignment of mineral rights and operating unlicensed mining ventures.
Despite these charges, Yandoh insisted that the level of suffering imposed on Wontumi is excessive. “I am stating clearly that the suffering Chairman Wontumi is enduring has gone beyond that of Job,” Yandoh declared.
When asked for clarification, Yandoh emphatically confirmed, “He has surpassed Job’s suffering that we all know.”
Detailing the restrictions placed on Wontumi, Yandoh outlined the extent of the punitive measures asserting, “All his pickups and excavators have been seized, and his bank and mobile money accounts frozen.”
He is required to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) biweekly, with documentation of his visits submitted to the High Court registrar.
“If you go to CID, they say he (Wontumi) should report there every two weeks. If he writes his name at CID, he should take the book to the High Court and show it to the registrar as proof that he has reported,” Yandoh claimed.
Yandoh noted that Wontumi’s passport has been confiscated, effectively grounding him and preventing travel during any potential national emergencies.
He stressed, “The same person, his passport has been taken. So, you and I sitting here can run if there’s a war, but Wontumi can’t travel.
“His picture has been placed at all border towns in Ghana,” he indicated.
He added that Wontumi also reports to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) every three days, which has impounded all his vehicles.
“Now, anytime Wontumi goes to court, he rents a car.”
Yandoh further revealed that EOCO and CID have recently confiscated all Wontumi’s clothing and footwear.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
