Justify withdrawal of politically motivated cases – Kpebu to govt
Private Legal Practitioner Martin Kpebu has called for accountability in Ghana’s judicial system, particularly in cases tainted by political manipulation.
He made this call on KeyPoints on Saturday, February 1, while discussing the recent discontinuation of high-profile cases referencing the Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa case, where the former Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, was caught on tape citing pressure from then President Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister to prosecute them at all cost.
“The criminal justice system is not for political point-scoring. We heard it directly from the Attorney-General himself, yet the case proceeded. This is exactly why such cases should be discontinued if they are proven to be politically motivated.”
Kpebu further criticized the current government’s failure to provide reasons for the withdrawal of the cases. He argued that the public deserves to know the reasons behind such decisions.
“If an Attorney-General decides to cancel a case, the public deserves an explanation. We cannot allow leaders to wield power arbitrarily. In South Africa and other democracies, transparency is a legal requirement. Ghana should follow suit,” he argued.
Kpebu also cited the Gregory Afoko case where despite a failed conviction, the accused remains in custody
“This is an abuse of rights. If a person has gone through the full trial process and the state still cannot convict him, why is he still in custody?” he questioned.
He called for legislative changes which will require the Attorney-General to provide explanations when cases are discontinued thus preventing justice from being used as a political tool.
Source: channel1news