Nana Bonsu, Convener for the Justice and Accountability Forum, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to prosecuting individuals indicted in Auditor-General reports.
The President’s strategy involves utilizing newly established High Courts to work alongside existing sanctions, such as disallowance and surcharge.
Nana Bonsu noted that this assurance is a commendable step that deserves broad support from the public.
To ensure the effectiveness of these judicial reforms, Bonsu recommended that the new courts operate as fast-track institutions under a 24-hour system.
He emphasised that cases should be subject to strict deadlines to avoid the traditional bottlenecks that often delay justice.
According to the advocate, it is high time that those who have misappropriated state funds are held accountable, prosecuted, and compelled to refund stolen assets.
He lamented that systemic corruption is undermining national stability, noting that the vast sums lost could otherwise address critical challenges such as the “no bed” syndrome in Ghana’s health facilities.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Bonsu argued that the state must confiscate assets purchased with illicit funds, suggesting that properties or businesses established through theft should be liquidated or transferred to state ownership.
His comments followed President Mahama’s Workers’ Day address on 1 May, in which the President detailed a comprehensive strategy to move audit findings beyond parliamentary debate and toward tangible legal consequences.
By integrating new judicial structures with fiscal controls, the policy aims to create a seamless pipeline from the discovery of irregularities to final sentencing.
The cornerstone of this reform is the establishment of specialised High Courts across the country dedicated to cases arising from the Auditor-General’s reports.
These courts are intended to provide swift and transparent trials for officials and contractors accused of malfeasance.
Nana Bonsu observed that this initiative addresses a long-standing grievance regarding high-profile infractions that often fade from public memory before reaching a courtroom.
“However, it is our appeal that these new courts will be fast-track so the cases would be handled with the speed of light. The new courts should not be like the existing ones where cases delay. These new courts must work with the speed of light and run a 24-hour system where cases will be handled within a stipulated time and concluded. President Mahama must do his best and ensure that all those who stole our money don’t escape justice. For those who have used the stolen money in purchasing properties, we have to confiscate their assets, sell them or transfer these assets into the name of the state. He is left with two years and he must do his best in dealing with the cases of corruption.”
Nana Bonsu maintained that the Ghanaian judiciary is capable of working around the clock to fast-track pending cases.
He added by asserting that those who exploit national resources are “nation wreckers” who should be dealt with ruthlessly and shown no mercy until the stolen resources are returned to the state.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
