I won’t sacrifice natural justice on altar of corruption fight -Prez

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has indicated that he will adhere to the rules of natural justice in the fight against corruption. Accordingly, a mere allegation of corruption does not mean wrongdoing, thus the need for due process to be followed, which he has been doing.

President Akufo-Addo said this on Monday, June 10, 2024 at the commissioning of the state-of-the-art office complex for the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice.

Addressing the gathering of law lords, lawyers and other guests, he used the opportunity to comment on former President Mahama referring to him as a “clearing agent.”

“…I am sure we are all aware of the statement by the former president and perennial NDC presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, stigmatising me as a clearing agent because, for him, mere allegation without more is enough to merit the condemnation of an accused public official, especially one of my administrators.

“For my part, and let me state it again for the record, I will not set aside due process and the rule of natural justice on the altar of the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this position incurs for me,” he added.

ASSURANCE

President Akufo-Addo underscored the paramount importance of law enforcement and the rule of law, especially in the context of the upcoming critical election year, and assured Ghanaians that the law enforcement agencies will do their best to ensure that law and order prevail in the country at all times.

“In so saying, I want to use the opportunity of this platform to reassure the Ghanaian people that the law enforcement agencies of the state, including the Office of the Attorney-General, will do all within their power to ensure that law and order prevail in the country at all times, especially during this critical election year,” President Akufo-Addo asserted.

Recognising that the election is approaching, President Akufo-Addo emphasised that the ambitions of any political party or presidential candidate would not be allowed to compromise the nation’s hard-earned peace, security and stability. “It will not happen,” he said bluntly.

ENFORCEMENT

However, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the nation’s robust legal framework and made it clear that laws on vigilantism and other relevant statutes would be rigorously enforced to safeguard the tranquility of the country.

He said that his government owed its commitment to ensuring the enforcement of the law to the good people of Ghana, who have consistently demonstrated their deep attachment to peaceful democratic values.

President Akufo-Addo called for continuous adaptation and evolution of the legal system to meet the changing needs of society while maintaining a steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and equality for all.

“The rule of law is not a static concept. It is a living principle that requires constant nurturing and vigilance,” he reminded the audience.

THE LAW HOUSE

The President also reflected on the significance of the commissioning of the Law House, saying that the event was not just a celebration of a new building but of a collective commitment to the rule of law and justice.

“It is proof of our belief that a strong legal system is essential for the development and prosperity of our nation,” he said.

He further stated that the inauguration of the edifice not only celebrated the new infrastructure but also reinforced Ghana’s dedication to the principles of justice and the rule of law, ensuring that peace and democratic values remain at the core of the nation’s development.

Chief Justice commends government

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, commended the government for the edifice, and advocated its replication across the country.

The President of the Ghana Bar Association, Yaw Boafo also commended the government for allocating funds for such project.

However, he bemoaned the poor state of infrastructure of the office of the A-G across the country, and called for improvement.

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