By Valentia Tetteh
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the government of applying selective justice in its fight against illegal mining, alleging that political opponents are being aggressively prosecuted while allegations involving persons associated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) remain unresolved.
Speaking at a press conference following the conviction of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, claimed the government was using the prosecution for political purposes.
“A troubling pattern is emerging in our country, a pattern where the government appears eager to pursue perceived political opponents while others who are alleged to be involved in illegal mining are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny,” he alleged.
Mr. Kodua rejected suggestions that Chairman Wontumi’s conviction demonstrated government’s commitment to combating illegal mining.
“They think the conviction of Chairman Wontumi will be the trophy to appease the Ghanaian people for their failures. This is no trophy,” he stated.
The NPP General Secretary questioned what he described as the lack of action on allegations involving individuals linked to the governing party.
“Justice cannot be selective. The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own party,” he said.
Mr. Kodua further called on the government to provide updates on investigations into allegations involving some individuals associated with the NDC, claiming that no visible action had been taken despite public concerns.
He also argued that government should focus greater attention on broader national challenges, including illegal mining, security concerns, flooding and unemployment, rather than what he described as politically motivated prosecutions.
“Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates urgency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security. No government should attempt to divert public attention from these pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions,” he said.
The NPP maintains that it will continue to challenge Chairman Wontumi’s conviction through the courts while calling for what it describes as equal application of the law to all persons, regardless of political affiliation.
