Richard Ahiagbah, the National Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has launched a scathing attack on President John Dramani Mahama and his administration, accusing them of recklessness and irresponsible conduct in their purported fight against corruption. Ahiagbah’s critique centers on President Mahama’s characterization of Ghana as a “crime scene” due to rampant corruption and the subsequent actions of Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, which Ahiagbah argues are unconstitutional and politically motivated. He contends that the government’s approach, rather than genuinely combating corruption, is focused on creating a spectacle and manipulating public perception for political gain.
Ahiagbah’s primary objection lies in what he perceives as a deliberate attempt by the government to conduct “media trials” of individuals suspected of corruption. He emphasizes that presenting evidence of alleged corruption in the media, as Dr. Ayine has done, is not a substitute for due process and proper judicial proceedings. The NPP spokesperson argues that such actions undermine the presumption of innocence, a fundamental principle of justice, and tarnish the reputations of individuals before they have had the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law. He stresses that Ghanaians are not interested in mere allegations or public displays of evidence, but in actual convictions secured through legitimate legal channels. This, he argues, is the true measure of a government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
Furthermore, Ahiagbah accuses the Mahama administration of using the “crime scene” narrative to distract from their own failings and create a false sense of urgency in their anti-corruption efforts. He believes that this dramatic rhetoric, coupled with the Attorney General’s media briefings, is a calculated strategy to sway public opinion and paint the government as actively combating corruption, while simultaneously circumventing established legal procedures. Ahiagbah insists that a genuine fight against corruption requires adherence to the rule of law and respect for the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations. He maintains that the current administration’s approach is a perversion of justice, driven by political expediency rather than a genuine desire to eradicate corruption.
The NPP spokesperson directly challenges Dr. Ayine to present his evidence against suspected individuals in a court of law, rather than engaging in what he terms “media stunts” that damage Ghana’s reputation. He criticizes the government’s approach as being more about political grandstanding and less about upholding the principles of justice and fairness. Ahiagbah’s contention is that the government’s actions create an environment of suspicion and mistrust, undermining the integrity of the legal system and potentially jeopardizing the fairness of any subsequent trials. He calls for a more responsible and lawful approach to tackling corruption, one that prioritizes due process and respects the fundamental rights of all citizens.
Ahiagbah explicitly draws a distinction between fighting corruption “according to the law” and fighting corruption “according to NDC politics,” suggesting that the Mahama administration’s actions are driven by partisan motives rather than a genuine commitment to eradicating corruption. He accuses the government of exploiting the issue of corruption for political gain, using it as a tool to discredit opponents and consolidate their own power. This politicization of the fight against corruption, according to Ahiagbah, undermines the integrity of the process and ultimately hinders genuine efforts to address the problem.
In closing, Ahiagbah reiterates his party’s support for a legitimate fight against corruption, emphasizing that such efforts must be conducted within the framework of the law and with full respect for the rights of all citizens. He calls on President Mahama to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that his government respects the civil and human rights of everyone, regardless of their perceived involvement in corrupt activities. He underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, arguing that these are essential pillars of a just and democratic society. He warns that the government’s current approach not only undermines these fundamental principles but also risks eroding public trust in the legal system and the government’s commitment to fighting corruption effectively.
