A former minister in Ghana has defended himself against accusations of being a traitor to his party and his country. Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who served as the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation under President Nana Akufo-Addo, said he was only offering his views as a patriotic citizen who wants the best for Ghana.
He was responding to criticism from some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) who accused him of undermining the party’s agenda and sabotaging the government’s efforts to fight illegal mining. The controversy started when a leaked audio recording surfaced online, in which Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was heard expressing his dissatisfaction with some policies and actions of the NPP government.
He also suggested that the party should consider changing its flagbearer for the next general election in 2024, as President Akufo-Addo may not be able to win a third term. The audio recording sparked outrage among some NPP supporters and officials, who called for his expulsion from the party and questioned his loyalty and integrity.
Some also alleged that he was involved in corruption and collusion with illegal miners, who have caused severe environmental damage in the country.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, however, denied any wrongdoing and said he was a victim of a smear campaign by his detractors. He said he had no intention of betraying the party or the president, whom he described as his friend and mentor.
He said he was only sharing his honest opinions on how to improve the governance and development of Ghana, based on his experience and expertise. He said he had contributed immensely to the NPP’s success and achievements, especially in the areas of science, technology, innovation, and environment.
He also said he had sacrificed a lot for the party and the country, including his health and reputation. He appealed to the NPP leadership and members to remain united and focused on delivering on their promises to the people of Ghana. He also urged them to respect diverse views and opinions within the party, as long as they are constructive and patriotic.
He said he was ready to cooperate with any investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal mining or any other malpractice. He expressed his hope that the truth would prevail, and that justice would be done. He said he was still committed to serving Ghana and supporting the NPP in its quest to transform the country for the better.
Source: GhanaWeb
