Mr. Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President, has called on Ghanaians to uphold the rule of law, stating that the John Mahama administration will not compromise due process in its quest for accountability and the battle against corruption.
Speaking to Ghanaians in Montreal, Canada, Mr. Segbefia emphasised that the government’s dedication to the rule of law sets it apart from political persecution and that any person accused of a crime should have a fair trial before facing punishment.
He warned against public pressure to put people under investigation in jail right away, pointing out that justice must adhere to established legal procedures.
“The law grinds slowly, but it does not stop,” he said, adding that innocent people would be exonerated and those found guilty would eventually face consequences.
He maintains that the current administration is still committed to ensuring accountability without weakening the nation’s legal system.
Since political power is ephemeral and governments change over time, Mr. Segbefia contended that upholding due process is in the long-term interest of every Ghanaian.
“History has taught me that no matter how well you think you are governing, change is inevitable. One day, you too may need the protection of the same rule of law,” he added.
Citing the experience of Richard Quayson, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, he said that rigorous adherence to legal procedures stopped what he called attempts by the previous administration to unfairly prosecute him.
Mr. Segbefia said that everyone should have the same legal safeguards regardless of their political party and cautioned against abusing or circumventing the legal system for political benefit.
He stated that investigations and prosecutions are being carried out within the bounds of the law and expressed confidence in the work being done by the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General.
“If they are wrong, they will be jailed. If they are not, they will be acquitted. But don’t tamper with the process. It is all you have. Trust the process,” he underlined.
Speaking about current anti-corruption initiatives, Mr. Segbefia revealed that one suspect had already been deported to Ghana and that attempts were being made to repatriate a former Finance Minister so he could testify before the relevant authorities.
He clarified that the extradition process cannot be hurried in order to meet public expectations because it is also subject to international legal procedures.
Mr. Segbefia reaffirmed that while the government would not tolerate misconduct, it would also not renounce the values of justice and equity.
He declared, “We will not do it the wrong way because it is wrong, and we cannot condone wrong things.”
In closing, he urged Ghanaians both domestically and overseas to be patient and have faith in the nation’s legal system, expressing hope that everyone who needs to answer for their conduct will finally do so through the proper legal procedure.
Source: newsthemegh.com