Deputy Attorney General of the Republic, Justice Srem-Sai, has rejected claims by the Minority that the conviction and imprisonment of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, reflects selective justice.
Speaking in an interview with Kemini Amanor of TV3, Justice Srem-Sai said some of the arguments raised by the Minority were influenced more by political considerations than a factual assessment of the legal processes involved in investigating and prosecuting corruption and illegal activities, including illegal mining.
He said when the Minority’s concerns are examined against the facts, they do not fully reflect the realities of criminal investigations, which require time, evidence gathering and due process before cases can proceed to court.
The Deputy Attorney General explained that investigations cannot be judged solely by public expectations or the period within which an issue becomes a subject of public discussion, as different cases have different circumstances and levels of complexity.
He pointed out that several individuals who were reported to state agencies or invited by investigative bodies, including the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and the Police, were not immediately taken to court because investigations were still ongoing.
According to him, the fact that an investigation has not resulted in immediate prosecution does not mean the process has stalled or that persons involved will escape accountability.
Justice Srem-Sai also dismissed suggestions that individuals connected to illegal mining activities had been left off the hook. He explained that investigations and prosecutions are not limited to one person, and anyone found to have played a role in illegal activities remains subject to the legal process.
He maintained that the fight against corruption and illegal mining must be guided by evidence, investigations and the law rather than political arguments.
On concerns about possible political interference in prosecutions, the Deputy Attorney General referred to previous cases involving appointees of President John Mahama, stating that some former officials had faced prosecution, conviction and sentencing where evidence supported such action.
He said this demonstrated that the government would not shield individuals found culpable of wrongdoing.
On a separate corruption-related matter involving plea bargaining, Justice Srem-Sai disclosed that an offer had been made by an accused person but was rejected by the state because it was considered inadequate.
He explained that plea bargaining discussions are confidential and that details of the proposal could not be made public while negotiations continue.
However, he indicated that any acceptable arrangement must address the recovery of public funds, including interest.
“For example, you are supposed to pay all the money with interest. Otherwise, what is the point?” he said.
Justice Srem-Sai maintained that corruption and illegal mining cases must be handled through proper investigations, prosecution and the courts to ensure accountability.
