Private legal practitioner Mr. Kofi Bekai says the constitution of the Republic of Ghana grants the Attorney General and Minister of Justice unfettered rights to withdraw cases or express interest in discontinuing such cases.
He explained that that the attorney general,, who is also the legal advisor to the president,, is entitled to withdraw cases he or she is no longer interested in prosecuting.
He pointed out that, while the public may interpret the Attorney General’s decision to withdraw cases as political, it is legally permissible.
He was reacting to the Attorney General’s decision to instruct state attorneys to withdraw cases currently pending in our courts, including those of Dr. Stephen Opuni and others.
He stated that this is not the first time we have seen something like this, as former President Akufo-Addo has taken similar actions.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM ”Yes, the Ghanaian public will make comments because they lack an understanding of the law. Former President Akufo-Addo took similar measures. In any case, the Attorney General has the legal authority to take this action, regardless of what Ghanaians say. Even if these individuals have ties to the ruling government, withdrawing these cases is not an error. The Attorney General has the authority to do so and is not required to explain his or her actions”.
When asked about the Attorney General’s competence, he stated that the Minister has over 20 years of bar experience and the necessary skill set for the position.
Meanwhile, he has stated that in cases where the accused have been acquitted and discharged, the matter cannot be revisited.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana