Audio By Carbonatix
Former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has warned against political interference in the administration of justice, insisting that democracy demands strict respect for the rule of law, regardless of who is in power.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, January 9, 2026, the leading member of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team said being in government does not grant anyone immunity from accountability when they are found culpable.
“If you understand the ethos of democracy, don’t interfere with the rule of law,” he said.
“The fact that you are in power does not license you to be criminal.”
Mr Atta Akyea expressed concern over past decisions by the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, to enter nolle prosequi in cases involving individuals who had already been arraigned before courts of competent jurisdiction, describing such actions as troubling and politically motivated.
“I was very disturbed when the Attorney-General entered nolle prosequi for people who had been properly arraigned, immediately they were ushered into power,” he noted.
He stressed that accountability must be consistent, irrespective of political affiliation, and said a New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under Dr Bawumia would allow due process to take its course.
“If Bawumia should be president and it is found that an NPP individual has fallen foul of the law, my view is that due process must run,” he stated.
Responding to questions about whether the issue lies with the law itself or with individuals occupying the office of Attorney-General, Mr Atta Akyea argued that the problem is largely political rather than legal.
According to him, while the law permits an Attorney-General to enter nolle prosequi, the decision to do so, especially in cases with serious financial implications and ongoing trials, is a matter of democratic posture and political will.
“It is the democratic posture of the government. Attorney-General will not function that way, that of entering nolle prosequi, when it has serious financial consequences as well, and people have been arraigned, and even some were on trial,” he said.
"So it is a political decision. It's not because of the fact that you have the power to enter nolle prosequi, but that is a decision of the NDC. We don't believe that these individuals should be prosecuted."
He added that the absence of a legal requirement for the Attorney-General to justify such decisions raises serious concerns and could one day be tested at the Supreme Court.
"I'm sure one of these days, it will be tested in the Supreme Court as to whether or not it could be at the whim and caprice of the government, and by extension, the Attorney General,” he cautioned.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana Card services to run 24 hours as NIA expands operations
34 seconds -
Mahama never promised Kejetia Phase 2 project completion by end of 2026 – Kumasi Mayor
1 minute -
2026 Mid-Year Budget to highlight key infrastructure projects — Dr Theo Acheampong
3 minutes -
Firefighters contain separate fires at Weija and Kasoa
8 minutes -
Depression can strengthen marriages if couples respond positively – Rev. Daniel Annan
9 minutes -
Selling Beyond Charisma: Your best salesperson is your biggest business risk
17 minutes -
Mid-Year Budget: No new taxes expected – Dr Theo Acheampong
19 minutes -
Access Bank Ghana wins two prestigious honours at Euromoney Awards for Excellence
21 minutes -
No more referee-six tests for Ghana’s economic reset
22 minutes -
2026 Mid-Year Budget: We need to move from stabilisation to sustainable growth – Prof. Gyeke-Dako
25 minutes -
KNUST Council Chairman calls for renewal of Ghana’s institutions to navigate growing national uncertainty
31 minutes -
UniMAC students to represent Ghana at Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Australia
34 minutes -
GEXIM, GHIB seal strategic partnership to boost Ghana’s export competitiveness
35 minutes -
‘We know the saboteurs’ – NDC’s James Agbey warns appointees against undermining Mahama
37 minutes -
2026 Mid-Year Budget: GhIE urges government to increase infrastructure fund
43 minutes