AG 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 stray from the Attorney General’s constitutional role. They argue that his main duty is to provide legal counsel to investigative agencies. He should also support the judiciary in delivering justice.

However, they feel his current approach undermines these principles. It threatens the independence of Ghana’s legal system.

On Monday, March 24th, Jerry Ahmed Shaib addressed the press. The Second Deputy Minority Whip criticized the Attorney General's conduct. He stated that the AG was acting beyond his remit.

Shaib said, “The Attorney General is an officer of the court.” His role is to assist in dispensing justice when investigators present their cases. However, he claimed the new AG undermines this role by acting like a judge instead of an officer of the court.

The Minority condemned a recent raid on Dr. Ernest Addison's residence. They described it as unlawful and noted that the National Security Coordinator apologized to Dr. Addison afterward.

This apology suggests that the operation was illegal, according to them. Shaib raised questions about how security operatives conducted themselves during the raid.

He asked why a court-issued warrant was not shown to Dr. Addison before or during the raid. He questioned why force was used against his private security and why CCTV cameras were removed.

Shaib emphasized that such actions raise doubts about legality and intent. He stated, “No amount of legal or public relations spin can undo the facts.”

He added that if their actions were lawful, there would be no need for an apology from National Security Coordinator.