The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has defended the government’s approach to retrieving allegedly stolen state assets, stating that the legal processes are being carried out diligently and within the framework of the rule of law.
Addressing concerns about the searches, including the one conducted at the residence of the former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Srem-Sai assured that all actions taken were in compliance with the law.
He explained that these operations are part of the government’s broader fight against corruption, undertaken in collaboration with other state institutions.
“Every search that has been conducted is part of the government framework to fight corruption. We take responsibility for these searches and want to make it clear that they were executed in accordance with the law”.
Dr Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Srem-Sai acknowledged the divided public opinion on the Attorney General’s handling of these cases. According to him, while some factions believe the Attorney General’s office is acting too slowly, others view the actions as overly aggressive.
However, he assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring accountability while upholding legal and human rights standards.
Prosecution Backed by Evidence
Dr. Srem-Sai emphasized that the Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has adopted the principle of ensuring that prosecutions are backed by solid evidence.
He noted that in past instances, individuals suspected of corruption had been subjected to legal processes that did not comply with the rule of law, leading to prolonged trials and financial burdens on defendants without sufficient grounds for conviction.
“We are committed, and work is going on day and night to ensure that persons who are believed or suspected to have stolen state assets, money, or other properties are prosecuted. However, we are also ensuring that this is done within the framework of the rule of law.
There have been instances where persons have been treated unfairly, arrested in manners that violated human rights, and prosecuted without evidence. We do not intend to repeat those mistakes”.
Dr Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice
Dr. Srem-Sai made it clear that the Attorney General’s office will not hastily prosecute individuals without gathering sufficient evidence.
He explained that what some perceive as a delay is actually a meticulous effort to ensure that due process is followed, preventing cases where suspects are brought before the court without adequate proof of wrongdoing.
The Deputy Attorney General’s comments follow a recent raid by operatives of the National Security at the home of the former Bank of Ghana Governor.
The incident has sparked significant public discourse, with some questioning whether the government is using excessive force, while others argue that stringent measures are necessary to tackle corruption effectively.
The debate over the government’s approach highlights the delicate balance between ensuring justice and preventing abuse of power.
While the government maintains that it is committed to holding corrupt individuals accountable, concerns about potential political motivations and human rights violations persist.
Dr. Srem-Sai assured the public that the Attorney General’s office remains focused on ensuring fairness in its prosecutions.
He reiterated that suspects will not be placed before the court unless there is credible evidence to substantiate charges against them.
“We are not in the business of bringing people before the courts and then searching for evidence later. At least, we must have sufficient evidence before initiating criminal proceedings”.
Dr Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice
The assurance from Dr Srem-Sai that due process will be strictly followed is a significant commitment, but only time will tell whether the broader public remains convinced.
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