It’s okay to withdraw politically motivated cases but provide justification – Kpebu tells government

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu is calling for greater transparency in Ghana’s justice system, particularly in cases where political interference is suspected.
Speaking on the discontinuation of high-profile cases on the KeyPoints on February 1, Kpebu cited the example of the Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa case, where the former Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, was caught on tape citing pressure from then President Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister to prosecute them at all cost.
“The criminal justice system is not for political point-scoring. We heard it directly from the Attorney-General himself, yet the case proceeded. This is exactly why such cases should be discontinued if they are proven to be politically motivated,” Kpebu stated.
Kpebu also criticized the lack of reasons provided when cases are withdrawn.
“If an Attorney-General decides to cancel a case, the public deserves an explanation. We cannot allow leaders to wield power arbitrarily. In South Africa and other democracies, transparency is a legal requirement. Ghana should follow suit,” he argued.
He further highlighted the Gregory Afoko case, where the accused remains in custody despite a failed conviction.
“This is an abuse of rights. If a person has gone through the full trial process and the state still cannot convict him, why is he still in custody?” Kpebu questioned.
He called for legislative amendments to compel the Attorney-General to provide explanations whenever a case is discontinued, ensuring that justice is not used as a political weapon.
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