By Collins Sarkodieh 
The national fight against illegal mining has sparked intense political debate following the landmark conviction of a top opposition figure. Former Adansi Asokwa Lawmaker Kobina Tahir Hammond has strongly called on the state to investigate and prosecute all accused individuals equally.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, July 20, 2026, the outspoken former Deputy Attorney General argued that the rule of law must apply without political favoritism. He insisted that the government must demonstrate true commitment to justice by holding ruling party members accountable for environmental crimes.
Former Deputy Attorney General Says Crime Has No Expiry Date
KT Hammond questioned why state security agencies seem very fast in prosecuting opposition figures while dragging their feet on ruling party members. He noted that several individuals linked to illegal mining operations have enjoyed political protection under the current administration.
The seasoned politician reminded state prosecutors that criminal offenses do not carry any expiration date or sell-by timeline under Ghanaian law. He stressed that delaying investigations creates a strong public perception that the state is actively shielding its own party executives from facing the law.
The former minister pointed out the massive speed used by the court to jail the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako. The High Court in Accra sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years imprisonment and fined Akonta Mining Limited for operating without valid environmental licenses.
Hammond wondered why petitions filed against ruling National Democratic Congress officials over a year ago have stalled inside investigative offices. He stated logically that if the state can prosecute Wontumi with such speed, it must apply that same energy to every other named individual.
The demand for equal justice relates directly to instructions issued by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, back in July 2025. The Attorney-General officially instructed the Economic and Organised Crime Office to invite key ruling party executives for questioning over unauthorized mining operations.
The specific petitions named NDC National Organiser Joseph Yamin and the party’s Third National Vice Chairman, Abanga Yakubu. Despite those official directives issued a year ago, the public has received very little update regarding the progress or outcome of those financial investigations.
The NPP leadership insists that ending galamsey requires total transparency and absolute fairness from state prosecution bodies. Protecting party members while jailing political opponents completely ruins public trust in our judicial system.
Ultimately, ordinary Ghanaian citizens want to see a clean environment where rivers and forests can recover from destruction. Prosecuting every illegal miner regardless of their political party card remains the only logical path to saving our national water bodies for future generations.
Also Read: Chairman Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison Over Illegal Mining Case
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