Ghana’s Minority in Parliament has accused the Attorney General of abusing his office by ordering raids, arrests, and investigations into former government appointees.
Addressing journalists on Monday, March 24, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Second Deputy Minority Whip, stated, “The Attorney General is an officer of the court. His interest is to assist the court in dispensing justice when investigators bring their case and evidence. The posture of the new A-G undermines this rule. He is no longer acting as an officer of the court but instead acting as someone who has conducted his own inquisition, determined the guilt of a suspect, and is seeking to force his views on the court.”
Shaib further emphasized, “The practice undermines the role of the attorney general and undermines the administration of justice. All well-meaning voices that respect the operations of the rule of law should call on the attorney general to put an end to this immediately.”
The Minority also expressed concerns about the raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.
Despite an apology from the National Security Coordinator, the Minority questioned the legality of the raid. Shaib asked, “If indeed a court-issued warrant existed, why was it not presented to Dr. Addison before or during the raid? Why was the force used to overpower his private security? Why was the CCTV camera dismantled and taken away? Transparency is a hallmark that ensures lawful enforcement.”
Shaib further argued, “If their actions were truly lawful and above board, why did the national security coordinator find it necessary to call and apologize to Dr. Addison via the phone of Richard Jakpa? If there was no wrongdoing with the conduct of the security officers, what exactly was the apology for?”