Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has reacted to the denial by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah after the latter was mentioned by the former in a disturbing report on galamsey activities in the country.
He termed his reaction as a father’s advice to the son, indicating that Oppong Nkrumah is the same age as his fourth born son.
The former Chairperson of the erstwhile Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) had accused Mr Oppong Nkrumah of assembling a group of journalists at the Forest Hotel at Dodowa to discuss a strategy to bring him down.
The minister has flatly denied the allegation.
“What would I, a much younger man, seek to gain from bringing down a person as well respected as Prof Boateng? I had no interest in his profession, his politics or his portfolios. I have absolutely nothing to gain from sullying his reputation.
“More importantly, as a matter of principle and my upbringing, I do not conduct my personal affairs or politics by seeking to hurt people. The values that guide my work over the decades include the fact that it is God who raises men and women. It is not our machinations that raise men and women. I am not one to dabble in such schemes and practices,” Oppong Nkrumah said in a rebuttal statement.
But the renowned surgeon has hit back advising the minister to “always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescent”.
He remarked, “I have read your response to what I wrote about you in the report I sent to the Chief of Staff a little over two years ago. You have denied what I wrote and that is normal. Very few people in your position will own up to their wrongdoings.”
His response to the minister came with a short video secretly shot by an informant showing a highly degraded large tract of land, which the voice narration accompanying the video accused Mr. Oppong Nkrumah of bringing in Chinese nationals to do illegal mining in a town close to the minister’s hometown.
FIND FRIMPONG-BOATENG’S RESPONSE TO OPPONG NKRUMAH BELOW
Dear Mr. Oppong Nkrumah,
I have read your response to what I wrote about you in the report I sent to the Chief of Staff a little over two years ago. You have denied what I wrote and that is normal. Very few people in your position will own up to their wrongdoings.
I have good advice for you, though. When I was part of the government, we were colleagues and I related to you as such. Now I will advise you as my son, just as I do my children. After all you are the same age as my 4th born son. When I returned to Ghana from Germany to start the cardiothoracic project you were just 6 years old as my 4th child. I will not lie to you or insult you or be harsh on you.
My advice is, always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescent. In about 2 years’ time you may no longer be in government and you may experience the real world as former high profile political power holders do. I will urge you to do your work diligently and avoid the coded and evil tactics Mr. Paul Adom Okyere boastfully and unashamedly told the world on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ that you employ to deal with your real and perceived enemies.
Let me touch briefly on Illegal mining. Last week someone from your constituency sent me a video recording of illegal mining activities close to your hometown. I don’t want to believe that what the person said about your role is true. The important thing is that Chinese and their Ghanaian collaborators are engaged in illegal mining at your doorstep. I encourage you to investigate it and take appropriate action. The President of the Republic assures Ghanaians again and again that he is serious with the fight against Illegal mining.
As you well know, illegal mining does not only refer to non-possession of a concession or mining permits but also the following:
1. Mining close to water bodies
2. Diversion of tailings into water bodies
3. Mining in the water bodies
4. Use of dangerous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide
5. Engagement of foreigners in small scale mining
6. Non-reclamation of mined out areas.
Have a blessed day.
Prof. Dr. Med. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng Accra, 23rd April 2023