Sylvester Tetteh questions government's handling of high-profile prosecutions

An aspiring General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, Sylvester Tetteh, has raised concerns about what he describes as inconsistencies in the government's handling of corruption and financial crime cases.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Citi TV on June 12, 2026, Tetteh maintained that the NPP supports accountability and efforts to recover state funds lost through negligence or wrongdoing. However, he questioned what he sees as the selective application of justice by the current administration.

"Nobody is against accountability or the pursuit of justice for the state," he stated.

"The NPP's belief is premised on total accountability and the development of this country."

Tetteh's comments come amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who is facing criminal allegations in court.

According to Tetteh, while many Ghanaians support efforts to recover state funds, similar scrutiny should be applied to other high-profile cases that were discontinued after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office.

Ken Agyapong asked Wontumi about GH¢30 million Exim Bank saga - Kwarteng

He alleged that the Attorney-General entered nolle prosequi or notices of discontinuance in six or seven ongoing cases without sufficient explanation to the public.

"The Attorney-General is not legally obligated to explain such decisions, but the public has a right to question the consistency of these actions," he said.

Tetteh cited several cases, including the Saglemi Housing Project, which involved an estimated US$200 million, arguing that the decision to discontinue prosecution in such matters has not been adequately justified.

He also referenced the case involving businessman Dr Kwabena Duffuor and others, where the government reportedly agreed to a settlement arrangement under which a portion of the disputed funds would be recovered.

Tetteh questioned why similar arrangements could not be considered in other cases.

"I am not against plea bargaining…but if one person can benefit from a 60-40 arrangement, then others should be given the same opportunity. The law must be applied fairly."

The former lawmaker further argued that public confidence in the justice system depends on consistency and transparency in the handling of cases involving alleged financial loss to the state.

He stressed that Chairman Wontumi remains before the courts and should be afforded due process.

"We are all waiting for the outcome of the court's decision. That is the fair thing to do," he noted.

"Nobody is against accountability, and Wontumi has not run away from accountability."

AM

Engineers' body calls for mandatory verification of foundations before concrete works