The Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Honourable Collins Adomako-Mensah has urged the Attorney General to apply the same speed used in prosecuting Chairman Wontumi to other alleged galamsey cases involving individuals linked to the governing side. He argued that the different pace of action in the cases has created questions about fairness in the fight against illegal mining.
Honourable Adomako-Mensah disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama acknowledged in March that members of his own political side were involved in galamsey and directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office to investigate the matter. He noted that more than a year later, the public is still waiting for the outcome of those investigations.
The Afigya Kwabre North MP compared the situation to the case involving Chairman Wontumi, who has been prosecuted and convicted within a relatively short period. He questioned why the Attorney General could move swiftly in one case while investigations involving other alleged offenders continue to be under investigation for an extended period.
“The same Attorney General who with speed of light has gone through prosecution and jailed Wontumi is now telling us after one year that they are yet to get any report from EOCO.”
Honourable Collins Adomako-Mensah
According to Honourable Adomako-Mensah, the difference in the pace of the cases has strengthened claims within the New Patriotic Party that the prosecution of Wontumi could have political undertones. He referred to President Mahama’s earlier admission about the involvement of people from his own side and argued that such matters require equal attention from the relevant state institutions.
The MP also cited a separate case involving a Member of Parliament who was alleged to have led a mob attack on some officials. He added that the incident received public attention after the Speaker of Parliament directed that the matter be addressed, yet the public is still waiting for a clear outcome.
Honourable Adomako-Mensah argued that the existence of illegal mining activities made the need for consistent enforcement even more urgent. He reiterated that the law must operate with the same force against all persons regardless of their political connections or the side of the political divide to which they belong.
From his view, the uncertainty surrounding other investigations has made it difficult for members of the opposition to accept the explanation that the prosecution of Wontumi is entirely free from political considerations. He stressed that equal application of the law would help strengthen public confidence in the government’s campaign against illegal mining.
Honourable Adomako Mensah also disclosed that Wontumi’s lawyers are preparing an appeal against the conviction. He expressed hope that the legal process would provide a favourable outcome for the embattled party chairman.
Wontumi Case Deepens Political Debate Within Opposition Party
The Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Honourable Collins Adomako-Mensah also described the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi as a painful development for the New Patriotic Party and its supporters. He added that the case has generated strong emotions within the party because of Wontumi’s influence and his position in the Ashanti Region.
Honourable Adomako Mensah explained that the news of the conviction emerged around the time regional executives were preparing for their vetting exercise. He added that the announcement immediately affected the mood among party members and created sadness within the Ashanti region.
The MP emphasised that the political significance of the case could not be separated from the identities of the parties involved in the prosecution. He noted that the government, acting through the Attorney General, has prosecuted a leading figure of the opposition party and one of its most influential regional chairmen.
According to him, the development has naturally led members of the NPP to view the matter through a political lens. He added that the reaction was also shaped by Wontumi’s importance to the party and the personal relationships he had built with many members.
“Personally, it hurts. I’m not too sure it’s something you wish for even your worst enemy, to be in isolation for that long.”
Honourable Collins Adomako-Mensah
The parliamentarian acknowledged that opinions on the judgment differed among lawyers and other observers who have studied the case. He explained that some considered the sentence harsh while others believe the judge has properly applied the law.
Honourable Adomako-Mensah reiterated that his own reaction is influenced by his close relationship with Wontumi and his membership of the same political party. He also noted that the Akan proverb about a road appearing beautiful when it does not damage one’s house captured the different reactions to the judgment. The MP further argued that the legal interpretation of the case require careful examination by professionals and the appellate courts. He emphasised that the public debate would continue because different lawyers have offered varying views on the judgment and its implications.
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