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George Oti Bonsu advocates for business leaders in Ghanaian politics, launches "The Base Movement
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Former New Patriotic Party financier George Oti Bonsu has urged Ghanaians to support business-oriented individuals seeking public office, stating that entrepreneurs are better equipped to drive job creation and national development. Speaking at the launch of his new political movement, "The Base Movement," in Accra on April 20, 2026, Oti Bonsu indicated he would personally vote for any businessman contesting an election, citing their role in reducing unemployment. He specifically mentioned Ibrahim Mahama and Kennedy Agyapong as examples of businessmen who should be supported if they contest. Oti Bonsu believes business leaders possess practical experience in wealth creation and are more likely to implement policies that directly impact livelihoods, especially for young people. He stated that "The Base Movement" focuses on empowering the youth and offering them renewed hope, calling on young people to rally behind the movement. The event unveiled the group, which aims to reshape political engagement and leadership selection in Ghana. Veteran Kumawood actor Kofi Adu, known as Agya Koo, is expected to play a leading role in the movement. The emergence of "The Base Movement" has led to speculation about possible political alignments, particularly with supporters of Kennedy Agyapong, who previously contested the NPP鈥檚 presidential primaries.
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The New Patriotic Party NPP has accused the Mahama administration of attempting to use the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, as a political "trophy." In a statement dated July 20, 2026, the NPP argued that Wontumi's conviction should not be celebrated as proof of the government's commitment to fighting illegal mining, claiming that similar allegations involving individuals linked to the governing National Democratic Congress NDC have not received the same attention. The party alleged selective application of justice, questioning why investigations into illegal mining activities involving some NDC officials have not progressed with similar urgency. The NPP stated that the prosecution failed to provide evidence that Wontumi unlawfully assigned or transferred his mineral concession, asserting that the conviction was based on assumptions rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Describing the judgment as a "travesty of justice," the NPP announced that its legal team had begun the process of appealing the High Court鈥檚 decision and reaffirmed its support for Chairman Wontumi, maintaining he was wrongfully convicted and calling him a "political prisoner."
The government has unveiled the Teacher Dabre Initiative, a plan to construct 50,000 housing units nationwide to alleviate accommodation challenges for teachers, particularly those in rural areas. Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced this on July 20, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series. The program will be implemented through a decentralized approach, with the District Assemblies Common Fund leading efforts at regional and district levels. The Ministry of Education will secure additional funding, and the government is considering using pension fund resources under the Ghana Secondary School Pension GSOP as collateral. In addition to housing, the government is finalizing a financial incentive, a 20% allowance, for teachers who accept postings to rural and hard-to-reach areas. These initiatives aim to enhance teachers' working and living conditions and address the challenge of attracting and retaining qualified educators in rural communities, reinforcing the government's commitment to teacher welfare for improved education quality.
Must ReadPrivate legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has characterized the 20-year prison sentence given to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, as a "victory for Ghana." Speaking on Asempa FM, Kpebu clarified that the conviction was based on evidence, not solely a confession. He explained that assigning mineral rights or giving out land without proper written approval constitutes an offense under Ghana's mining laws. Kpebu emphasized that the court's judgment was supported by evidence presented during cross-examination. He also noted that mining operators must follow established procedures for land reclamation, including working with the Minerals Commission. Kpebu expressed his expectation for more convictions of individuals involved in illegal mining. These comments follow Chairman Wontumi's sentencing to 20 years with hard labor after his conviction in an illegal mining case related to Akonta Mining Company Limited.