The Northern Regional Operational Commander, Richard Lantei Odartey, has raised concerns that growing political activism in Ghana is gradually eroding the supremacy of the law, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to justice and accountability.
Speaking at the JoyNews Impact Makers Foundation programme, “Democracy is not for sale,” held in Tamale on Friday, March 27, Supt. Odartey stressed that the country risks undermining its democratic foundations if urgent steps are not taken to restore respect for the rule of law.
“Until we get to the point where we see political activism lower than the supremacy of the law, we will never get there,” he said.
He noted that political activities are increasingly taking precedence over legal processes, making it difficult to ensure fairness and justice.
“As of now, political activism or political activities is gradually submerging the supremacy of the law, so until we get to the point where the supremacy of the law will be restored to its original place, it will be difficult,” he stated.
Supt. Odartey further highlighted the growing challenge of politically exposed individuals allegedly using their affiliations to shield themselves from prosecution. He indicated that some individuals enter politics primarily to protect their business interests, particularly when those businesses are linked to criminal activity.
He observed that law enforcement efforts are often frustrated in such cases, as prosecutions involving politically connected persons tend to drag on for years without resolution. In contrast, individuals without political backing are more likely to face swift legal action when evidence is established against them.
The police officer questioned the disparity, asking why justice appears to be applied unevenly depending on one’s political alignment.
He stressed the need for renewed public education on the supremacy of the law, insisting that all citizens must be treated equally.
“So let’s try with the education that the law is supreme, all of us are equal before the law, but as of now, some are not equal before the law. Until we get to the stage where all of us are equal before the law, it will be difficult,” he said.
The “Democracy is not for sale” campaign forms part of civic education efforts aimed at promoting electoral integrity and discouraging voter inducement across the country.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
