Economist Kwame Pianim Defends Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng against Galamsey Allegations
Kwame Pianim, an economist and senior member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has spoken out in support of Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, denying any personal involvement in galamsey activities. Pianim emphasized that if substantial evidence were to emerge linking the former minister to galamsey promotion during his tenure as chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), he would have reported him to the police himself. These remarks were made during an interview with Accra-based TV3, as reported by GhanaWeb.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has invited Prof Frimpong-Boateng as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption-related matters, which also relate to a report on small-scale mining activities authored by the professor. Pianim called for a fair investigation process, emphasizing that individuals of high stature like Prof Frimpong-Boateng deserve recognition and fair treatment.
Pianim questioned the information available to the special prosecutor that led to the preventive measures taken against Prof Frimpong-Boateng, such as confiscating his passport. He raised concerns about potential insinuations linking the professor to a criminal gang promoting galamsey and questioned whether the allegations were related to defamation or the leaking of the report made to the president. Pianim referred to executive privileges in the United States, stating that conversations between a minister and the president cannot be used as a basis for defamation charges.
Highlighting Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s significant contributions to saving lives in Ghana, Pianim expressed his disapproval of the treatment the professor had received. He urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to fulfill his promise of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the allegations made by Prof Frimpong-Boateng. Pianim suggested that if the allegations were baseless, the president should hold a press conference to declare them as such.
In conclusion, Pianim emphasized the need for accountability and called upon the president to demonstrate a commitment to investigating the allegations thoroughly. He urged the president to address the nation and declare the outcome of the investigations conducted by the security forces, reaffirming the government’s dedication to delivering justice.
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