President John Dramani Mahama has warned against a return to extrajudicial methods in the battle against corruption while defending his administration’s dedication to due process.
He told Parliament during this year’s SONA that “There were periods when, under military regimes and unconstitutional governments, extrajudicial means could be used to exact retribution,”
“This may have appeared as swift justice, but many regrettable excesses were recorded.”
Mahama recalled to the House that Ghanaians chose rule of law-based governance in 1992 when they overwhelmingly ratified the 1992 Constitution.
“On 7th January 2025, I swore before the people of Ghana to uphold the 1992 Constitution,” he said.
He emphasised that the legal system must be respected while acknowledging the public’s displeasure.
The freedom to appeal even the slightest legal points must be safeguarded, he said, adding that “Painstaking investigations must be conducted, dockets must be prepared, charges must be filed, and the accused must have their day in court.”
“This process is necessary to protect us all against abuse or ill-treatment of citizens and to ensure that only those guilty of offences against the state are punished,” the president stated.
Source: newsthemegh.com