Scandals of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana: Land Grabs, Galamsey, Corruption, and Cronyism

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been one of the leading political forces in Ghana for decades, but its rule has also been characterized by numerous scandals that have raised serious concerns about governance, corruption, and the abuse of power. From the illegal acquisition of state lands to the involvement of high-ranking officials in galamsey (illegal mining), and allegations of nepotism involving the First Family, these controversies have tainted the NPP's legacy.

This article explores some of the most significant scandals involving the NPP under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership, including land grabs, illegal mining by party insiders, and the questionable rise of Akufo-Addo’s daughter in the business world, all of which have fueled accusations of corruption and cronyism.

1. The Sale of State Lands to NPP Insiders

One of the most pervasive allegations against the NPP government is the sale of prime state lands to individuals with political connections. These land deals have sparked controversy, particularly in Accra, where land is a highly sought-after commodity. Critics claim that influential members of the NPP, including government officials and party insiders, have exploited their positions to acquire public lands at highly discounted rates or through fraudulent means.

Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady and wife of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been named in various reports as playing a key role in directing state lands to party loyalists. According to critics, Samira has been involved in the acquisition of land in prime areas of Accra, such as East Legon, Ridge, and Cantonments. The allegations suggest that she has pointed to available lands—some of which were designated for public use or were to be allocated to the rightful owners—and helped facilitate their transfer to private individuals with political ties.

While these allegations have not been definitively proven in court, the whispers surrounding the Bawumias' land dealings have persisted. The controversy deepens when one considers the lack of transparency and the apparent disregard for due process, leading to calls for greater accountability in land management.

2. The Role of Politically Connected Individuals in Land Grabs

Beyond Samira Bawumia’s alleged involvement, reports indicate that other high-ranking NPP figures, including relatives and close associates of President Akufo-Addo, have been involved in similar practices. The tendency of the ruling elite to use their political positions to gain access to public resources has raised suspicions about the true nature of these land transactions.

In one instance, parcels of state land earmarked for public infrastructure or development projects were sold to private developers or individuals with close links to the NPP. In many cases, the transactions were not transparent, and the land deals were made without adequate consultation with the public or the rightful owners.

As the issue of land grabbing continues to surface, many Ghanaians are questioning whether the ruling party’s actions align with the principles of good governance and the promises made to protect the rights of citizens.

3. Galamsey and the Involvement of NPP MPs and Chairman Wuntumi

One of the most significant scandals to have plagued the NPP government is the issue of galamsey, or illegal small-scale mining. Despite the party’s promises to tackle the galamsey menace, several members of the NPP have been implicated in illegal mining operations that have caused severe environmental damage and undermined the country’s efforts to manage its natural resources.

The most notable figure in the galamsey scandal is Bernard Antwi Boasiako, better known as Chairman Wuntumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP. Wuntumi is widely believed to be a key figure in the illegal mining industry, with reports suggesting that he has used his political influence to secure mining concessions and engage in galamsey activities. Despite government efforts to curb the practice, Chairman Wuntumi's involvement has led to widespread allegations of cronyism, with critics accusing him of profiting from the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

In addition to Wuntumi, several NPP Members of Parliament (MPs) have been linked to illegal mining activities. These MPs are often accused of using their political clout to shield galamsey operations or to facilitate illegal mining in their constituencies. Some MPs have been linked to mining concessions, while others have been accused of offering protection to illegal miners in exchange for kickbacks.

Notable NPP MPs implicated in galamsey include:

• Kwaku Afriyie (MP for Sefwi Wiawso) – Accused of facilitating illegal mining activities in his constituency, where galamsey is rampant.
• Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi) – While he has publicly condemned illegal mining, his constituency has witnessed an increase in galamsey activities, raising questions about the government’s commitment to fighting the problem.
• Akwasi Amoako-Attah (MP for Akim Oda) – Accusations have been made that his family members are involved in galamsey operations in the Eastern Region, leading to further doubts about the NPP’s efforts to combat illegal mining.

The involvement of MPs and party insiders in galamsey has undermined the government’s anti-galamsey initiatives, leading to public disillusionment with the NPP’s ability to effectively tackle illegal mining.

4. Akufo-Addo's Daughters Role in Duty-Free Business

Another scandal that has raised eyebrows involves the Duty-Free Shop at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), which was established during the presidency of John Dramani Mahama. Under the Akufo-Addo administration, it has come to light that Stephanie Akufo-Addo, the President’s daughter, has been linked to the operation of the Duty-Free shop, raising concerns about nepotism and conflict of interest.

Stephanie Akufo-Addo is reported to have a significant stake in the Duty-Free business at the airport, despite the fact that it was a government initiative under Mahama. Critics argue that this represents a blatant case of favoritism and corruption, as the President’s daughter has used her family connections to secure lucrative business deals that may not have been available to others.

The Duty-Free shop business is highly profitable, and the allegations surrounding Stephanie Akufo-Addo's involvement have sparked criticism about the level of influence the First Family wields in business matters. It has raised important questions about the ethical conduct of the Akufo-Addo administration, especially in a country where the president has repeatedly pledged to fight corruption.

5. The Agyapa Royalties Deal: A Deal of Controversy

Another scandal that has marred the NPP’s reputation is the Agyapa Royalties deal, which sought to raise funds by selling Ghana’s future gold royalties to a private company, Agyapa Royalties Limited. The deal, which was signed in 2020, was immediately met with skepticism and backlash from civil society organizations, opposition parties, and Ghanaians at large.

The controversy stemmed from concerns over the lack of transparency in the deal, as well as the involvement of politically connected individuals in the creation and management of the Agyapa company. Many viewed the deal as a scheme to enrich party insiders at the expense of the public, especially given the role of the government in facilitating the deal.

Despite attempts by the Akufo-Addo administration to defend the deal, public outrage led to the suspension of the agreement for review, further compounding the perception of widespread corruption within the NPP government.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Scandal and Controversy

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been marred by a series of scandals during its time in power, with allegations of land grabbing, illegal mining, nepotism, and corruption plaguing the administration. The involvement of senior NPP figures, including Samira Bawumia, Chairman Wuntumi, and *Stephanie Akufo-Addo, in questionable dealings has raised concerns about the party’s commitment to transparency and good governance.

The continued land grabs, the proliferation of galamsey, and the perception of cronyism within the party suggest that the NPP's promises of anti-corruption and economic reform have not been fully realized. These scandals have eroded public trust and led many to question the true nature of the party’s leadership.

As Ghana moves forward, the need for greater accountability, transparency, and ethical governance is more critical than ever. Until the NPP addresses these issues head-on, its legacy will remain overshadowed by corruption, cronyism, and the abuse of political power.