President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that his administration has no intention of prosecuting innocent people, stressing that every accountability case will be handled in accordance with due process.
Speaking at the Citizens’ Engagement in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, the President said Ghana’s investigative, prosecutorial and judicial institutions provide adequate safeguards to ensure justice is served and prevent malicious prosecutions.
Rejecting suggestions that the government’s anti-corruption campaign is aimed at political opponents, Mahama said investigations and prosecutions are only pursued when there is sufficient evidence
“I also want to touch on accountability. We do not harbour any malice against any person, and indeed, I do not take any enjoyment or pride in prosecuting people if they have done no wrong. I believe that our prosecutorial system, investigative system, and judicial system grant enough leverage for people to have justice.”
He added that anyone who believes they have been wrongfully prosecuted has the right to seek justice through the courts.
“It shouldn’t be like we’re trying to hound our political opponents or something. We proceed on the basis of the evidence we have received, and then the evidence is weighed, and if it is sufficient, we proceed.”
Mahama explained that accountability cases often take time because investigators must thoroughly examine allegations before taking action. He noted that institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) typically spend months gathering and reviewing evidence before making arrests.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to tackling corruption, the President stressed that no public official would be protected from investigation where credible evidence of wrongdoing exists.
“I just want to assure you that accountability is still our priority.”
