Government has firmly defended its decision to discontinue certain politically motivated court cases, following criticism from investigative journalist Manasseh Awuni Azure and others.
Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has justified the Attorney General’s move, arguing that the cases in question were frivolous and malicious rather than evidence based.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, February 10, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu questioned why opposition figures were subjected to lengthy legal battles while state-sponsored perpetrators of political violence remained untouched.
“I have always maintained that what justification existed for prosecuting Ofosu Ampofo and leaving out the state-sponsored terrorists who engaged in the mayhem at the Ayawaso West by-election?” he asked.
He highlighted the case of Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who was prosecuted over an alleged meeting discussing responses to political violence. In contrast, those responsible for violent attacks, such as those at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, faced no legal action despite a Commission of Inquiry recommending sanctions.
“The government refused to act on it. Rather, it chose to go after the chairman of the opposition party… This was clearly a travesty of justice,” he added.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the government should not waste public time and resources on cases designed to silence political opponents.
“A clear distinction must be made between frivolous, malicious persecution and evidence-based prosecution,” he stated.
Meanwhile, ace investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure has expressed serious concern over the decision to drop prosecutions involving officials from the NDC government, warning that it sets a “dangerous precedent” for Ghana’s fight against corruption.
“For a president vowing to reset Ghana and prosecute government officials who have stolen or caused money to be stolen from the public purse, the mass clearance is a wrong start. It’s a dangerous precedent,” Azure said.
But in response to the backlash, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu reassured the public that the Attorney General would hold a press conference in the coming days to explain the rationale behind the discontinuations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fairness and justice.
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