Political Analyst, lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies, Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, has urged Ghanaians to place national interest above partisan considerations in the fight against illegal mining, insisting that accountability must be pursued through the rule of law irrespective of political affiliation.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Dr. Asante Otchere said recent debates surrounding the conviction of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and the legal battles involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta should not be viewed through partisan lenses.
His comments follow the conviction and sentencing of Chairman Wontumi over illegal mining-related activities linked to the Samreboi mining case, a judgment that has generated intense political debate between the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Reports indicate that the conviction stemmed from offences connected to illegal mining activities, with the Minority describing the ruling as selective justice while others have hailed it as a major step in the country’s fight against galamsey.
Dr. Asante Otchere argued that the focus should not be on the political identity of individuals involved but on the need to protect Ghana’s environment and enforce the law.
“You are first a Ghanaian before becoming NDC or MPP. The rights you enjoy come from the state. Therefore, if the law is breached, accountability must follow regardless of political colour,” he stated.
According to him, political parties risk undermining the national fight against illegal mining when they appear to defend individuals accused or convicted of environmental crimes merely because they belong to their political tradition.
“If political parties rally behind individuals accused of destroying forests and water bodies without considering the broader environmental consequences, they risk sending a message that the fight against galamsey is secondary to partisan interests,” he said.
The analyst pointed to the environmental challenges facing mining communities, particularly Samreboi in the Western North Region, arguing that the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies has contributed significantly to ecological degradation.
“How does a forest-zone town become flooded? Forests naturally absorb rainfall and protect the soil. Once the vegetation cover is destroyed through illegal mining and logging, the land loses that protection, leading to flooding and environmental disasters,” he explained.
Dr. Asante Otchere further criticised attempts to politicise the suffering of communities affected by illegal mining.
“Can we quantify the losses suffered by people whose farms, homes and livelihoods have been destroyed? We must show empathy to affected communities rather than turning their pain into a political argument,” he added.
Touching on allegations of selective justice, he acknowledged concerns raised by some political actors but argued that such claims should not be used to obstruct accountability.
“If people say there is selective justice, then the solution is not to stop prosecutions. The solution is to ensure that every individual accused of similar offences is investigated and prosecuted where evidence exists,” he stressed.
Dr. Asante Otchere also commented on the ongoing controversy involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The OSP has been investigating Mr. Ofori-Atta over several corruption and corruption-related matters, including the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract, the National Cathedral project, procurement of ambulances, the termination of the ECG-Beijing Technology contract and the management of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund accounts. The anti-corruption agency subsequently declared the former Finance Minister wanted after he failed to honour invitations to appear before investigators, maintaining that extradition and related legal processes remain active.
The matter has attracted international attention following proceedings in the United States, where legal arguments have emerged over aspects of the OSP’s case. The OSP has publicly rejected suggestions that the investigations lack merit and maintains that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains subject to ongoing legal processes.
Dr. Asante Otchere cautioned against drawing premature conclusions on matters that are still under investigation or before the courts.
“We must allow due process to work. Investigative bodies have a responsibility to gather evidence and prosecute where necessary, while the courts have the responsibility to determine guilt or innocence. Political commentary should not replace legal processes,” he noted.
He however urged investigative agencies to conclude investigations within reasonable timeframes to avoid creating uncertainty and public suspicion.
According to him, cases should either proceed to court where evidence exists or be discontinued where evidence is insufficient.
The Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies further called on political parties to improve their communication strategies, warning that poorly calculated public statements often damage credibility and deepen political divisions.
“Strategic communication is about knowing what to say, when to say it and how to say it. Political parties must be careful not to sacrifice national interest for short-term political gains,” he said.
Dr. Asante Otchere concluded by urging all Ghanaians to support the fight against corruption and illegal mining irrespective of the political identities of those involved.
“The fight against galamsey is not about NDC or NPP. It is about protecting Ghana’s forests, rivers, farmlands and future generations. The rule of law must remain supreme,” he stated.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah/ Ahotoronline/Accra
