THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL IS TRYING TO TRADE WITH FREEDOM AND JUSTICE
I am not against the Attorney-General; however, as a student of law and basic governance principles, I find the statement made to be a serious misjudgment and an internal weapon that could be used against the government itself. The Attorney-General’s recent statement that “I exchanged Abu Trica for Ken Ofori-Atta, but he has hired top lawyers to defend his extradition” is deeply troubling and wholly unacceptable in a constitutional democracy. Justice is not a bargaining process, and citizens are not commodities to be traded. Such a statement reflects frustration and an apparent inability to lawfully pursue one case, thereby promoting the dangerous notion that another individual can be targeted as a substitute. As a social worker and the Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute (EAI), I find this approach to be a very low and dangerous strategy that undermines the seriousness, credibility, and integrity of Ghana’s justice system.
Legally, the statement contradicts the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, which guarantees personal liberty, equality before the law, and protection against arbitrary arrest. Articles 14 and 17 clearly establish that no individual may be arrested, detained, or prosecuted as leverage, retaliation, or compensation for the state’s failure to secure another suspect. The rule of law demands that every case be prosecuted strictly on its own merits, guided by evidence, due process, and judicial oversight not public commentary that implies selective or politically motivated justice.
Beyond the legal implications, such remarks erode public confidence in the justice system and weaken democratic governance. The Attorney-General, as the chief legal officer of the state, has a constitutional duty to uphold fairness, restraint, and respect for the rule of law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Importantly, the youth of Ghana who voted massively and placed their trust in democratic governance are watching closely. Any attempt to trade with freedom and justice will not go unnoticed, and history will judge how today’s leaders protect or undermine the constitutional order of our Republic.
For God and Ghana.
William Boadi
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