In the fervent fight against corruption, we must choose the path of national healing and financial restitution over political vendettas that tear us apart as a nation.
The Allure of the “Fast-Track” to Nsawam
The recent, forceful declaration by former President John Dramani Mahama sent a clear, sharp message across the political landscape: those who loot state resources must face a fast-tracked legal process straight to Nsawam Prison. The sentiment is understandable. For a citizenry burdened by economic hardship and endless stories of graft, the image of a corrupt official swiftly being led to a jail cell is viscerally satisfying. It creates the impression of a government that is working, acting decisively, and delivering justice.
However, this focus on incarceration as the primary and most celebrated outcome is a double-edged sword. While accountability is non-negotiable, a system driven by the spectacle of punishment risks deepening the very fissures that plague our nation. It fuels a cycle of political vindictiveness, where each new administration uses the legal system not just to prosecute crime, but to punish its predecessors, polarising a united nation and stoking the embers of factionalism.
A Sober Alternative: Justice as Restitution, Not Just Retribution
This article does not seek to rationalise wrongdoing. Corruption is a cancer that cripples development and betrays the public trust. But the question we must ask is: what constitutes true justice and effective deterrence in these cases?
Years ago, ace journalist Ben Ephson proposed a paradigm shift on GBC’s talk show programme “Talking Point”. He argued that for those found culpable of causing financial loss to the state, the primary goal should be restitution, not mere imprisonment. His logic was compelling: why send someone to jail for years, only for them to return and enjoy their ill-got wealth? Instead, he suggested retrieving the stolen money or seizing their properties and assets to defray the cost to the state, forcing them to disgorge their illicit gains should be the priority of the government in power.
This model of justice focuses on making the nation whole again. It asks, pragmatically: what benefits does Ghana derive from a jailed individual when the stolen millions remain hidden? The funds recovered could build schools, equip hospitals, or fix roads, and directly address the “bread and butter” issues citizens care about most.
Precedent and Pragmatism: Lessons from Our Recent Past
This is not merely theoretical. We have seen glimpses of this approach in practice. During the “double salary” scandal involving some MPs, the resolution involved negotiation and repayment, not a procession to prison. This mirrored the advice heeded by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in that instance, demonstrating that alternatives to incarceration are feasible.
Furthermore, the selective application of harsh bail conditions for officials of one administration, while seen as legally permissible, is often perceived as a form of pre-trial punishment, a way to “remind them that the NDC party is in power.” Such actions, even when draped in the cloak of the law, erode trust in our institutions and reinforce the damaging narrative that justice is a tool for the party in power.
The Unifying Path Forward: A National Consensus on Accountability
To break this vicious cycle, we must collectively agree on a new standard. This involves:
- Prioritising Asset Recovery: Establishing a robust, non-partisan legal framework dedicated to identifying, freezing, and seizing assets acquired through corrupt means. This should be the primary objective in cases of financial malfeasance.
- Deterrence Through Disgorgement: Ensuring that no one can profit from corruption. A convict who has returned every stolen cedi is a far more powerful deterrent than one who sits in jail with a hidden fortune awaiting their release.
- Protecting the Innocent: Acknowledging that the families, especially the children, of those accused are often collateral damage. A system focused on restitution allows for accountability without utterly destroying the futures of the innocent.
- Transcending the Political Cycle: We must internalise the transient nature of political power. Today’s ruling party is tomorrow’s opposition. Building a system based on fairness and restitution, rather than retribution, protects everyone and stabilises our democracy.
Conclusion: Our Ghana, Our Future
The fight against corruption is a fight for the soul of Ghana. But we must wage it wisely. Let our legacy not be one of perfected political vengeance, but of innovative justice that repairs both our national coffers and our social fabric. Let us focus on what unites us and pushes development forward. We have nowhere else to go but here, in our beloved mother Ghana. It is time to look beyond the prison walls and build a system where justice truly serves the people, not just the passions of the moment.
By Adjei Worlanyo Frank
