A-G must stop unlawful raids – Minority accuses Attorney-General of power abuse

The Minority in Parliament has accused the Attorney General of overstepping his authority. They claim he ordered raids, arrests, and investigations into former government appointees.

The caucus believes these actions abuse power and deviate from his constitutional role. They argue that the Attorney General's main duty is to provide legal counsel to investigative agencies. His current approach undermines these principles and threatens Ghana’s legal system.

On Monday, March 24th, Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib addressed the press. He criticized the Attorney General for acting beyond his remit. “The Attorney General is an officer of the court,” he stated.

Shaib explained that his role is to assist the court in dispensing justice. He claimed the new AG undermines this role by acting as if he conducted his own inquiry. This suggests he has already determined a suspect's guilt.

The Minority condemned a recent raid on former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison’s residence as unlawful. They noted that the National Security Coordinator personally apologized to Dr. Addison, which they see as an admission of illegality.

Shaib raised questions about the security operatives' conduct during the raid. He asked why a court-issued warrant was not presented to Dr. Addison before or during it. He also questioned why force was used against his private security and why CCTV cameras were dismantled.

“Transparency ensures lawful enforcement,” Shaib emphasized. He stated that such operations cast doubt on the legality and intent behind government actions. “No amount of legal or public relations spin can undo the facts,” he said.

He pointed out that Dr. Addison’s home was raided under questionable circumstances. If their actions were lawful, why did the National Security Coordinator apologize? “If there was no wrongdoing, what exactly was the apology for?” he questioned.