Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, dismissed allegations that the government is selectively enforcing the law regarding illegal mining cases, asserting that probes into allegations against certain National Democratic Congress (NDC) members are still ongoing.
In response to questions regarding investigations involving NDC National Organiser Joseph Yamin and Third National Vice Chairman Abanga Yakubu concerning purported connections to illegal mining (galamsey), Dr Srem-Sai stated that the processes were not yet completed.
“Investigations are still ongoing,” he said.
“If the suggestion is that the investigations are long overdue, that must be some comparison you are making. Because you would not say it is long overdue unless you are comparing with some other investigation.
“And so what I’m saying is that if you think or if anyone suggests that the fact that those investigations have not yielded or resulted in a conviction or trial, then it means that we are being unfair; in other words, we are giving some preferential treatment. The point I’m trying to make is that investigations take time,” he explained.
He asserts that the timeline in the case of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, illustrates that intricate investigations are not likely to yield prompt results.
Dr. Srem-Sai observed that inquiries into Wontumi’s situation started in 2021, but the trial only began in January 2026 before the High Court ultimately found him guilty.
“Chairman Wontumi’s investigation started way back in 2021. We are in 2026. The trial itself started this year, January 10, when we called the first witness,” he stated.
The Deputy Attorney-General stated that the earlier conclusion of some investigations compared to others does not equate to selective justice.
He warned against forming conclusions based on public stories without taking into account the facts and timelines at play.
“Sometimes we know narratives are powerful, but all you need to do is to run the narrative against facts, and you will see that the narrative becomes empty,” he said.
The NPP and the Minority in Parliament have charged the government with practicing selective justice after Chairman Wontumi’s conviction and have raised concerns over the lack of prosecutions in investigations involving certain members of the ruling NDC.
Dr. Srem-Sai emphasized that the state’s strategy relies on evidence and legal procedures, not on political ties.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
