MP Jinapor Cautions Against Justice System Abuse
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has expressed serious concerns about the continued detention of Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC.
Mr. Jinapor described the situation on Wednesday, May 20, as a troubling sign for Ghana’s democracy. He believes the criminal justice system is being used improperly. This situation affects the administration of justice and public trust.
Mr. Jinapor, a former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, argued that the justice system should not suppress political opposition. He stated that Abronye DC’s detention raises important questions. These questions involve justice and consistency in how the criminal justice system operates.
A core principle of Ghana’s justice system is the presumption of innocence. This means everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court. Mr. Jinapor stressed that bail should not punish people before they are convicted. He cited the Supreme Court case Kpebu v Attorney-General. This case supports the idea that even those accused of serious crimes deserve bail consideration.
Courts usually consider several factors for bail. These include the chance the accused will attend trial. They also consider if investigations could be interfered with. The seriousness of the charge and having a fixed home are important. Reliable guarantors are also needed for bail. These factors balance personal freedom with justice.
Mr. Jinapor argued that if evidence doesn't strongly support charges, courts must grant bail. He believes this principle applies to Abronye DC’s case. He noted a concerning pattern of criminal cases against members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). In recent months, several NPP figures faced legal proceedings. These often stemmed from statements made publicly or on media platforms.
While each case deserves individual review, Mr. Jinapor stated this pattern cannot be ignored. He cautioned against using criminal proceedings for matters that could be civil disputes. This includes defamation cases. He emphasized that the criminal justice system should not be used for political speech. Civil law already handles false or defamatory statements.
Mr. Jinapor warned of an emerging “culture of silence.” This happens when prosecuting opposition voices becomes common. He fears the justice system is being used to silence the NPP. This allows the current government to operate without sufficient accountability. His sentiment echoes calls from Mahamudu Bawumia and Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin. They also demanded Abronye DC’s immediate release on bail.
Mr Jinapor urged all supporters of democracy in Ghana to support these calls. He asked them to defend constitutional freedoms and political diversity. Maintaining public confidence in the justice system is vital. This requires fairness, consistency, and avoiding any appearance of political bias. The economic implications, while not directly monetary, are significant for investor confidence. A perception of an unstable or politically motivated justice system can deter foreign direct investment and impact business operations in Ghana.