Legal practitioner Carruthers Tetteh has commended President John Dramani Mahama’s emphasis on corruption and judicial review during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), describing it as a necessary step in strengthening governance and accountability.
However, he cautioned against the perception that anti-corruption efforts, particularly committees such as Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), are politically targeted.
“Any measure to curb corruption or reduce crime is a step in the right direction. However, fairness and impartiality are crucial. We must ensure there is no bias or favoritism—everyone should be treated equally under the law.”
Carruthers Tetteh
In an interview with Vaultz News, he pointed out that while the reports submitted by ORAL so far are promising, their success hinges on proper prosecution by agencies like the Attorney General’s office.
He emphasized that institutions should function independently and resist political interference.
“I do not believe any institution inherently obstructs the fight against corruption. However, institutions must fulfill their mandates diligently and fearlessly.
While they are established by law, their effectiveness depends on their ability to operate without political interference. If politicians excessively interfere, they become a barrier to progress.”
Carruthers Tetteh
Strengthening Institutional Independence
Furthermore, Carruthers Tetteh underscored the importance of allowing institutions such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to operate without political influence.
He warned that political appointments to key positions could compromise an institution’s objectivity.
“For example, if the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is led by someone with strong political affiliations, it could compromise its independence.
People may act in line with their party’s interests rather than upholding justice. However, if institutions work independently, they should be able to combat corruption effectively.”
Carruthers Tetteh
Beyond institutional independence, he advocated for long-term solutions, such as incorporating ethics and integrity education into school curricula to instill a strong moral foundation among future leaders.
Tetteh stressed the necessity of judicial independence, highlighting Article 125 of the Constitution, which guarantees that the judiciary should operate free from external influence.
Accordingly, he warned against the dangers of politicizing judicial appointments and emphasized the need for constitutional reforms to safeguard judicial independence.
He argued that if certain constitutional provisions create perceptions of judicial bias, they should be reviewed and amended to restore public confidence in the judiciary.
Citing international examples, he noted that while some countries elect Supreme Court justices, Ghana’s system grants the President the authority to appoint them.
Although this process is legally sanctioned, he stressed that if it fuels concerns about partiality, then reforms should be explored to reinforce the judiciary’s autonomy and ensure its impartiality in upholding the rule of law.
Limiting Executive Influence
The legal practitioner further raised concerns about the excessive powers granted to the President, particularly in the appointment of key officials.
He advocated for electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure accountability at the local level.
Tetteh also called for constitutional amendments to cap the number of ministers a President can appoint. “A maximum of 30 to 40 ministers would ensure efficiency and prevent excessive executive control,” he noted.
He proposed reforms in the appointment processes of public institutions like the Electoral Commission, suggesting greater public participation to enhance transparency and trust.
Tetteh also welcomed the President’s proposal to regulate the sale of state assets, emphasizing the need for transparent guidelines to prevent abuse.
“State assets belong to the people, and politicians should not be able to sell or acquire them arbitrarily.
“However, if private citizens wish to purchase state assets, there should be clear, transparent guidelines. A law must be enacted to regulate such transactions, binding all governments regardless of political affiliation.”
Carruthers Tetteh
He further emphasized the need for a robust legal framework to prevent the misappropriation and misuse of public resources.
He proposed that a well-defined law should clearly specify which state assets are eligible for sale, establish criteria for potential buyers, and outline strict conditions under which such transactions can occur.
Additionally, Tetteh called for stringent oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of state assets.
To deter individuals from exploiting public resources for personal gain, he advocated for severe penalties, including legal sanctions and financial repercussions, against those found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices related to state property.
Ensuring Long-Term Impact
Moreover, Carruthers Tetteh argued that sustaining anti-corruption efforts beyond a single administration requires an impartial and consistent approach. Institutions should not be seen as political tools but as defenders of justice.
He cited the Office of the Special Prosecutor as an example of how independence in law enforcement enhances credibility.
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor is a case in point. Though appointed under the NPP government, the OSP has demonstrated independence by issuing a notice for the arrest of a former minister [Ken Ofori-Atta] from the same party. Even if the prosecution does not succeed, such actions send a strong message.”
Carruthers Tetteh
Tetteh concluded by emphasizing the importance of strong legal provisions to shield anti-corruption institutions from political interference.
He underscored that ensuring fairness and impartiality within these institutions is crucial for maintaining public trust and preventing successive governments from abandoning corruption cases initiated by their predecessors.
He argued that when legal frameworks are robust, transparent, and insulated from partisan influence, no administration will feel compelled to halt investigations or prosecutions for political reasons.
The ultimate goal, he asserted, is to establish durable, independent mechanisms that uphold justice and accountability consistently, regardless of changes in government.
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