You’re intimidating people to cover your inefficiency – Ahiagbah attacks Mahama

The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has boldly accused President John Dramani Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of intimidating political opponents to distract Ghanaians from the real economic struggles they face daily.

According to him, the recent arrest and hospitalisation of the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is a deliberate political tactic to shift the public’s attention from pressing bread-and-butter issues to political drama.

Ahiagbah Speaks Out on Social Media

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Richard Ahiagbah did not mince words. He criticised the Mahama-led government for focusing on persecuting political opponents, instead of delivering on their campaign promises, particularly the much-talked-about 24-hour economy.

“President Mahama and the NDC are employing diversionary tactics to deflect attention from the bread-and-butter issues of the day. They promised a 24-hour economy but are instead delivering 24-hour intimidation of political opponents,” Ahiagbah wrote.

Where Are the Jobs? Ahiagbah Demands Answers

In the same post, the NPP communicator threw a direct question at the President:

“Mr. President, where are the jobs? Ghanaians are asking.”

Ahiagbah believes that instead of focusing on policies that will create employment, reduce the cost of living, and make life better for ordinary Ghanaians, the current administration is using state institutions to harass and intimidate opposition figures.

He insisted that accountability is important in any democracy, but selective justice and the targeting of opponents under the guise of fighting corruption will only create fear and division in the country.

“Holding people accountable should not be used as a cover-up for this government’s inefficiency,” he said.

Wontumi’s Arrest and Illness: A Shocking Turn of Events

Ahiagbah’s comments come in the wake of the arrest and subsequent hospitalisation of Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The controversial Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP was invited by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for questioning over allegations of illegal mining (galamsey) and possible financial misconduct.

According to Andy Appiah-Kubi, the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North and a member of Wontumi’s legal team, the chairman collapsed during interrogation and had to be rushed from EOCO custody to a hospital for urgent medical attention.

“He was not feeling well even before going to EOCO. But his condition got worse during the questioning. We had to insist that he be taken to the hospital,” Appiah-Kubi explained to journalists.

Concerns of Political Witch-Hunt Growing

The arrest of Wontumi has sparked major concern among NPP faithful and some members of the general public, many of whom see the development as a political witch-hunt by the new administration.

Already, top party figures such as former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Nana B (NPP National Organiser), and now Richard Ahiagbah have come out to defend Wontumi and question the timing and manner in which he was arrested.

They argue that even if there are genuine issues to investigate, due process, fairness, and respect for rights must guide the actions of state institutions like EOCO and the CID.

The Bigger Picture: Economic Struggles Remain Unaddressed

Richard Ahiagbah’s post clearly reflects a growing frustration within the NPP that the current government is failing to address the key issues that matter to ordinary Ghanaians—joblessness, high cost of living, inflation, and income insecurity.

While the 2024 campaign heavily focused on the promise of a 24-hour economy, Ahiagbah argues that there is little evidence to show any implementation or impact of that policy.

“Ghanaians are not feeling any difference. There is no clear plan. And while people are struggling to buy food and pay school fees, this government is busy chasing after its opponents,” he posted.

What Is the 24-Hour Economy?

The 24-hour economy was one of President Mahama’s major campaign promises during the 2024 general elections. The idea is to keep factories, businesses, and services running around the clock to create more jobs, boost productivity, and enhance economic activity.

However, critics say that since taking office in January 2025, the Mahama government has not clearly outlined how the 24-hour economy is being implemented or how it is helping Ghanaians.

“We were told the 24-hour economy would bring more jobs. But right now, many young people are still unemployed, and the cost of goods keeps rising,” said a student from the University of Ghana who reacted to Ahiagbah’s post.

Political Divide Deepens

The political atmosphere in Ghana appears to be getting more tense just five months into the new administration. The Wontumi saga has now become a flashpoint, revealing the distrust between the ruling NDC and the opposition NPP.

Some analysts believe the government should quickly come out with clear information about Wontumi’s case to avoid the perception that it is engaging in political intimidation.

Others are calling on the NPP to also stop playing the victim and allow the law to take its course.

“If Wontumi has nothing to hide, let him prove that in court. But the state must be fair, and the NPP must not turn everything into politics,” said a political analyst on Citi TV.

Conclusion: Ghana at a Crossroads

Richard Ahiagbah’s comments have added another layer to the growing political tension in the country. His accusation that the government is using Wontumi’s arrest to divert attention from real problems is likely to spark more debate in the days ahead.

The ball is now in the court of President Mahama and his administration. Will they come out clearly to explain their actions and provide solutions to the economic challenges facing Ghanaians? Or will the country continue to be caught in a cycle of political blame games?

For now, the opposition is watching, and so are millions of Ghanaians who are more concerned about jobs, education, healthcare, and affordable food than political arrests.

As things stand, the heat is on, and the coming weeks may determine how the Mahama administration will be judged, not just by political opponents, but by the ordinary Ghanaian on the street.