Arrests aren’t theatre, let the law work – Franklin Cudjoe

Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, is frustrated with the drama surrounding arrests of public figures in Ghana.

He spoke on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on May 31, 2025. Cudjoe questioned why police invitations or arrests become national spectacles.

“I’ve never understood why common invitations to security services turn into a circus,” he said.

He noted that ordinary citizens face arrest without fanfare. However, high-profile cases escalate tensions and distract from legal processes.

“When ordinary people are arrested for crimes, no one makes noise. But when it involves a politically exposed person, the whole country must stop?” he asked.

Cudjoe expressed irritation at this behavior. He believes we should stop turning arrests into theatre. “If someone is accused of wrongdoing, let the process play out. No one is above the law.”

He also discussed bail conditions. He urged people to seek court redress instead of public outrage.

“You can go to court and ask for a variation,” he said. “The law allows for that. Bail conditions are not meant to punish.”

Cudjoe warned that stirring emotions during legal proceedings undermines fairness in the justice system. It could set dangerous precedents.

“When people face legal issues, let’s not raise tensions,” he advised. “Others go through similar situations without community uproar. It’s unfair and dangerous.”