Damongo MP Calls for Strict Adherence to Rule of Law
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, has made a strong call for Ghana to follow the rule of law and protect citizens' rights. His message is that these actions are vital for a healthy democracy. Mr. Jinapor, a lawmaker from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stated that democratic government works best when all governments respect people's rights. He urged them to stop using state power against political rivals. He made these remarks on May 25, 2026.
Mr. Jinapor expressed concern about how the justice system is sometimes used. He believes that claiming someone has defamed a political leader, meaning they said something untrue that damaged their reputation, should not lead to arrest or jail. Instead, he said, the person who feels wronged should take the case to civil court. This is where a judge decides if damages should be paid. He criticised situations where people face harsh bail conditions, which he called "punitive bail conditions." This means the conditions to be released from jail are so difficult they act as a punishment themselves.
Highlighting Ghana's journey, Mr. Jinapor noted that the country has made significant progress in its democracy. He stressed that these gains must not be lost due to political rivalries. He warned that political power is temporary. This means leaders should not create a system where a new government always targets people from the old one. He wants to prevent a cycle of harassment after elections.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Jinapor stated, “we do not have this circus where, after a change of government, members of the previous administration or the opposition are harassed.” He believes that when someone makes a hurtful statement about a government official or the President, the public should condemn the statement. If the official feels defamed, their proper recourse is the civil court. He fears that using the criminal justice system for these issues can unnecessarily damage individuals' lives and freedoms.
The MP serves as the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. He referenced past administrations where he felt citizens' rights were ignored. He insisted that such actions cannot be excused just because a party is in power. He aims to ensure that Ghana's democratic development continues on a strong legal foundation. Ghana's democratic progress, he stated, depends on respecting fundamental freedoms and legal processes.