Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, has debunked claims that the NDC government is applying the law selectively in dealing with illegal mining cases.
According to the Deputy AG, Investigations take time, adding that investigations are still ongoing into allegations against some National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials accused of being involved in galamsey.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Justice Srem-Sai stated, “Investigations are still ongoing”.
“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 further cited that investigations into Wontumi’s case began in 2021, while the trial only commenced in January 2026 before the High Court eventually convicted him.
“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 AG highlighted that the fact that some investigations conclude earlier than others does not amount to selective justice and cautioned against drawing conclusions based on public narratives without considering the facts and timelines involved.
“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.
His comments follow the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, demanding an update on the status of the galamsey petitions filed against National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Organiser Joseph Yamin and the party’s Third National Vice Chairman, Abanga Yakubu.
The NPP’s demand follows the conviction and sentencing of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Justin Kodua questioned why petitions and allegations involving some NDC officials had not received similar attention, adding that accountability should be applied equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, July 20, Justin Kodua Frimpong stated, “What has become of the petition submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Mr Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, and Abanga Yakubu, Vice Chairman of the NDC? We are asking these questions”.
“Mr President, what has happened to Honourable Mohammed Yakubu, NDC MP for Ahafo Ano South East, and his DCE, who was sacked from a chief’s palace after they were alleged to have been heavily involved in galamsey in their traditional area?” he asked.
“What happened to the NDC MP for Aowin, Honourable Oscar Ofori Larbi, who was accused by the chiefs and the people of Aowin, as well as the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, of engaging in galamsey? Why has the nation not witnessed the same level of urgency and determination in those matters? Justice cannot be selective,” he stated.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents in respect of whom evidence of wrongdoing does not exist, while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own party,” he said.
“Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates agency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security. No government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he added.
See the post below:
"Investigations take time" – Deputy AG asks for patience in outcome of EOCO's probe of NDC executives allegedly involved in galamsey#JoyNews #JoyFM #GhanaNews #JoyPrime #MyJoyOnline pic.twitter.com/7PAGrVHzrr
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