The people of Ghana elected President John Dramani Mahama through the power of the ballot, not through coercion, bullets, or fear. It is therefore disturbing and unacceptable that under his leadership, democratic values are being eroded in favour of political retribution, especially against perceived opponents and patriotic businessmen, particularly from the Ashanti Region.
The presidency is not a weapon to avenge political disappointments or to fulfil populist promises through state-sponsored intimidation. Ghana is governed by the rule of law. If the President believes any individual or entity has shortchanged the nation, he must allow independent state institutions to follow laid-down procedures, not use them to persecute and destroy the livelihoods of his opponents.
One of the clearest examples of this abuse is the ongoing harassment of Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako. During President Mahama’s first term, Chairman Boasiako’s legitimate business, Hansol Mining Ltd., was unjustly targeted under the guise of fighting illegal mining. His equipment was seized and destroyed by state-backed operatives, resulting in massive financial loss and the collapse of his operations. Despite holding a legal license to operate, he was treated like a criminal without due process. A competent court later awarded him judgment debt, affirming that the state had indeed acted unlawfully.
Today, as President Mahama returns to power, Chairman Boasiako is once again facing fresh waves of intimidation. From arbitrary audits to hostile EOCO investigations and tax harassment, the state’s machinery is being deployed in what appears to be a politically orchestrated mission to break his will and dismantle his enterprises.
This cannot be the new face of accountability. Selective justice is not justice—it is persecution. And persecution rooted in politics and regional bias threatens the very soul of our republic.
We also note a worrying trend where successful Ashanti businessmen are increasingly becoming targets of state harassment. Many of them, known for their hard work and contributions to national development, are being vilified and dragged through investigations not because of wrongdoing, but because of who they are or what they stand for politically.
President Mahama must rise above vengeance and prove that he governs all Ghanaians, not just those who support him. Democracy cannot survive on vindictiveness. It thrives on fairness, equity, and the unwavering respect for the rule of law.
We remind him that his authority was granted through the ballot, not the barrel of a gun. He must not lead like one who seized power by force.
Ghanaians are watching, and history will not be kind to leaders who allow state power to be used as a tool of oppression. We demand an end to these politically motivated persecutions. Let justice work—but let it work with impartiality, not prejudice.
Ghana is bigger than any party, president, or political promise. Let’s defend its democracy—together.
By: Kwaku AntwiBoasiakoh, CEO-Youth Ballot Coalition
