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.
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