The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has leveled serious accusations against the Attorney General, alleging an abuse of power through orchestrating raids, arrests, and investigations targeting former government officials. The caucus contends that the Attorney General’s role is fundamentally advisory, providing legal counsel to investigative bodies and assisting the courts in the pursuit of justice. They argue that the Attorney General’s current actions, which involve direct involvement in investigations and seemingly predetermined conclusions of guilt, represent a significant departure from this established mandate and undermine the principles of due process and the rule of law. This active involvement, they claim, transforms the Attorney General from an impartial legal advisor into an investigator and prosecutor, jeopardizing the integrity of the justice system.
The Minority’s concerns stem from what they perceive as the Attorney General’s overreach in pursuing cases against former appointees. They argue that by personally leading these actions, the Attorney General preempts the role of investigative agencies and creates a perception of bias. This direct involvement, they claim, not only undermines the independence of these agencies but also raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the investigations themselves. The caucus emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear separation of powers between the Attorney General’s office and investigative bodies to ensure that investigations are conducted objectively and without undue influence. They maintain that the Attorney General’s current approach creates an environment of fear and intimidation, hindering the ability of former officials to receive fair and impartial treatment under the law.
Highlighting the specific case of Dr. Ernest Addison, the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the Minority caucus points to the alleged unlawful raid on his residence as a prime example of the Attorney General’s overreach. They question the legality and intent of the operation, citing the National Security Coordinator’s subsequent apology to Dr. Addison as evidence of wrongdoing. The caucus highlights several procedural irregularities surrounding the raid, including the alleged failure to present a warrant, the use of excessive force against Dr. Addison’s private security, and the removal of CCTV cameras from the premises. These actions, they argue, cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of the operation and raise concerns about the motivation behind it.
The caucus emphasized that the apology from the National Security Coordinator implicitly acknowledges the unlawful nature of the raid. The act of apologizing, they contend, suggests an admission of guilt and confirms that the raid was conducted improperly. They also question the circumstances surrounding the apology, noting that it was communicated through a third party, which raises further suspicions about the transparency and accountability of the security agencies involved. The caucus argues that this lack of transparency undermines public trust in the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The Minority caucus contends that the Attorney General’s actions not only jeopardize the integrity of ongoing investigations but also set a dangerous precedent for future cases. They warn that if this behavior is allowed to continue unchecked, it could erode public confidence in the justice system and create a culture of impunity where those in power can manipulate the legal process for political gain. They stress the importance of adherence to due process and the rule of law, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of their political affiliation, are entitled to a fair and impartial legal process.
The Minority caucus has called on the Attorney General to immediately cease these actions and return to the established role of providing legal counsel and assisting the courts. They believe that restoring this separation of powers is crucial for upholding the principles of justice and ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law. They have also urged all stakeholders who value the rule of law to speak out against the Attorney General’s alleged overreach and demand accountability for the alleged unlawful raid on Dr. Addison’s residence. The caucus emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the legal system and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. They believe that allowing such actions to go unchallenged would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the foundations of a just and democratic society.
