Former Member of Parliament for Afram Plains, Betty Krosbi Mensah, has urged public officials to uphold integrity and transparency in the discharge of their duties, following the incarceration of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Speaking on The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV, Betty Krosbi Mensah described the development as unfortunate but said it also demonstrates the importance of the rule of law and accountability in public service.

She urged politicians and public officials across the political divide to take lessons from the situation and ensure that they conduct themselves responsibly when entrusted with public resources.

“I call it rather unfortunate. When you see the beard of your brother burning, it's just right that you also make sure there's water by your side. So that, when it's your turn, you are able to manage yourself,” she said.

According to her, the development sends a strong message to public officers who have been given the opportunity to serve the country.

“It clearly also sends that information out there to public officers, to people who have been given the privilege and opportunity to serve in various public offices, to be as transparent as possible, to act with integrity, and to make sure they serve with the interest of the people at heart,” she stated.

Krosbi Mensah also raised concerns about the alleged misuse and abuse of government-reserved lands and forests, particularly areas designated for environmental protection and climate-related purposes.

She said the conversion of such protected areas for private interests should be a matter of concern to the public.

“When you hear about the misuse and abuse of government-reserved lands or forests that were reserved purposely for the benefit of climate change and what have you, unfortunately for one man's interests, it is unacceptable,” she said.

According to her, the alleged illegal mining activities in protected areas highlight the need for public officials and individuals entrusted with national resources to act responsibly.

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The former MP stressed that the issues surrounding Chairman Wontumi should serve as a broader warning to public officials rather than be viewed solely through political lenses.

“It's not just our brother, Wontumi, that's how popularly known, but I know a few more other issues that will be coming up,” she said.

She used the opportunity to admonish public officials to serve with diligence and integrity, warning that those who abuse the trust placed in them could eventually face accountability.

“I want to just use the opportunity to admonish public officers that when you are given the opportunity to serve, serve with a pure and clean heart, serve with diligence. Otherwise, when the time comes for accountability, of course, definitely the law will catch up with you,” she said.

She further noted that the power and resources entrusted to politicians belong ultimately to the people of Ghana.

“The people of Ghana have entrusted us with power. They have entrusted us with their resources. It's just right that we are able to serve them diligently in a way that will bring the benefits to the general public,” she added.