By Mavis Paintsil, Accra
A political actor has cautioned against acts that undermine the rule of law, urging party supporters to desist from besieging state institutions when their members are invited to answer queestions.
According to him, the call for accountability should not be misconstrued as a witch-hunt or an attempt to condemn anyone in the court of public opinion.
“You are not calling for a witch hunt of any individual. You are not calling for anybody to be condemned in the court of public opinion. You are calling on the institutions established by our constitutional laws to do their work,” he said.
He stressed that such institutions must be allowed to operate without fear or favour, in line with Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution, which demands fairness, candour and due process in the exercise of discretionary power.
“Allegations must be properly investigated. Where evidence supports it, let prosecution follow. Where guilt is established by a competent court, let the full weight of the law apply. Where allegations are not supported by evidence, let the law equally protect the innocent,” he added.
He maintained that justice must be firm but fair, and that wrongdoing must be pursued wherever it leads while guaranteeing every person the full protection of the law.
In a related call, the group Democracy In Progress said holding public office is a trust and those who have served must be ready to account when called upon.
“Nobody has pronounced anybody guilty, but we believe that once they have served, they must come and account,” a spokesperson said.
The group warned that no one should use political affiliation as a shield against accountability and no political party should become a sanctuary for persons wanted by lawful state institutions.
“Political affiliation is no refuge from accountability. Let the message go out clear. Political parties come and go, governments come and go, ministers come and go, presidents come and go, but the Republic of Ghana remains,” he stressed.
He urged the media to demand accountability without fear or favour and cautioned against allowing partisan interests to override the protection of the public purse.
“Our political disagreements must never become an excuse for undermining accountability. Our party loyalty must never be stronger than our loyalty to Ghana. Country first, Republic first, Constitution first,” he said.
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