Minority accuses AG of abusing power, demands immediate halt to raids

The Minority in Parliament has accused the Attorney General of abusing his office by ordering raids, and arrests, and conducting investigations into former government appointees.

The caucus says the Attorney General’s role is to provide legal advice to investigative agencies and assist the court in dispensing justice.

They argue that his current actions undermine this mandate.

Addressing journalists on Monday, March 24, the Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, called on the Attorney General to immediately halt such actions.

“The Attorney General is an officer of the court. His interest is to assist the court in dispensing justice when investigators bring their case and evidence. The posture of the new A-G undermines this rule. He is no longer acting as an officer of the court but instead acting as someone who has conducted his own inquisition, determined the guilt of a suspect, and is seeking to force his views on the court.

“The practice undermines the role of the attorney general and undermines the administration of justice. All well-meaning voices that respect the operations of the rule of law should call on the attorney general to put an end to this immediately,” he stated.

The caucus also stated that an apology had been rendered to the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, by the National Security Coordinator, affirming that the raid on his residence was unlawfully conducted.

“If indeed a court-issued warrant existed, why was it not presented to Dr Addison before or during the raid? Why was the force used to overpower his private security? Why was the CCTV camera dismantled and taken away? Transparency is a hallmark that ensures lawful enforcement.

“The failure to follow basic procedures causes doubt on the legality and intent of the operations. No amount of legal, or public relations spin can undo the fact. Dr Addison’s home was raided under highly questionable circumstances.

“If their actions were truly lawful and above board, why did the national security coordinator, find it necessary to call and apologise to Dr Addison, via the phone of Richard Jakpa? If there was no wrongdoing with the conduct of the security officers, what exactly was the apology for? ” he questioned.

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