Private legal practitioner Richard Nii Armah has suggested that political figures like former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former MASLOC boss Sedinam Tamakloe-Attionu may be “evading” justice because they are acutely aware of the dire state of Ghana’s prisons.
Mr Armah noted that while in power, political leaders often neglect to invest in transforming the penal system. Consequently, when they face trial, they become fearful of the harsh conditions they helped perpetuate.
He emphasised that the prison system should be viewed as a “second home” for any citizen, yet leaders fail to value these institutions until they find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Speaking in an interview on As It Is in Ghana on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM (Ghana) and 92.4FM (UK), Mr Armah clarified the legal distinctions between the two individuals.
He said Sedinam Tamakloe-Attionu has already been tried and sentenced to a 10-year jail term. If her extradition from the U.S. is successful, she will be sent directly to Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
On Ken Ofori-Atta, he stated that his situation involves potential arrest and arraignment before a competent court of jurisdiction to face the legal process.
Mr Armah asserted that these once-powerful individuals now face the consequences of their actions.
He shared his perspective on the irony of their current situations, saying, “I have always said that the prison is our second home. The woman we are talking about today was the former MASLOC boss. How many Ghanaians have the resources to afford visas and travel to America? Yet, today she has been arrested and is being detained in the US, being processed for extradition to Ghana—to be sent to the very same prison she was trying to run away from.”
He added, “That is why it is important that when we get the opportunity to serve in any capacity, we don’t engage in acts that can get us into trouble with the law. We sometimes assume that if we offend the law while in office, we cannot be held accountable. I am not happy that these individuals may be going to prison, but my point is that it will serve as a deterrent to others. It warns them not to engage in corruption while in office, as those acts will eventually lead to trouble.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
