President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed that his administration will not prosecute innocent people, insisting that all accountability cases will be pursued strictly on the basis of credible evidence and due process.
Speaking at the Citizens’ Engagement in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama dismissed claims that the government’s anti-corruption campaign is aimed at persecuting political opponents. He stressed that Ghana’s investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial institutions provide adequate safeguards to ensure fairness and justice.
According to the President, investigations and prosecutions are guided solely by the strength of the evidence gathered, not by political considerations.
“I also want to touch on accountability. We do not harbour any malice against any person, and indeed, I do not take any enjoyment or pride in prosecuting people if they have done no wrong. I believe that our prosecutorial system, investigative system, and judicial system grant enough leverage for people to have justice,” he said.
President Mahama noted that individuals who believe they have been wrongfully prosecuted have the opportunity to seek redress through the courts.
“It shouldn’t be like we’re trying to hound our political opponents or something. We proceed on the basis of the evidence we have received, and then the evidence is weighed, and if it is sufficient, we proceed,” he added.
The President explained that accountability cases often require extensive investigations before any action is taken. He said agencies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) typically spend months gathering and reviewing evidence before making arrests or initiating prosecutions.
He stressed that his administration remains committed to combating corruption and ensuring that public officials are held accountable where credible evidence of wrongdoing exists.
“I just want to assure you that accountability is still our priority,” President Mahama stated.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the government’s anti-corruption efforts and allegations that some investigations are politically motivated. He maintained that the rule of law and due process will continue to guide every accountability case undertaken by his administration.
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