The former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South and a key member of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential bid campaign team, Samuel Atta Akyea, has expressed concern over recent legal decisions he perceives as politically motivated.
In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, January 9, Atta Akyea, also a former Minister for Works and Housing, criticised what he said are attempts to interfere with the rule of law, particularly when individuals facing legal charges are absolved following a change in political power.
Atta Akyea emphasised the importance of maintaining judicial independence and upholding the rule of law, irrespective of political affiliations.
He was especially disturbed by the Attorney General’s decision to invoke nolle prosequi on criminal cases.
“I will tell you one thing which is very important for everybody: if you understand the ethos of democracy, don’t interfere with the rule of law,” Atta Akyea stated. “The fact that you are in power does not licence you to be criminal.”
His remarks were in reference to the Attorney General’s (Dr Dominic Akurutinga Ayine) decision to drop charges against several individuals immediately after the change in government.
Atta Akyea expressed alarm over the potential erosion of public confidence in the judiciary when political power is used to influence the course of legal proceedings.
“I was very, very disturbed when the Attorney General entered the nolle prosequi for people who have been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction for various offences immediately they were ushered into power,” Atta Akyea added.
Atta Akyea drew attention to the potential future scenario should Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP become president. He stressed that under Bawumia’s leadership, the NPP would remain committed to ensuring that individuals who violate the law are held accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
“If Bawumia should be president and it is found that an NPP individual has fallen foul of the law, I am of the view that let due process run, let it continue,” he said.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com