The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over what it calls a disturbing trend of “media prosecution” by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, accusing him of undermining due process and the constitutional rights of accused persons.
Addressing a press briefing in Parliament on Tuesday, October 28, the Minority’s Legal Counsel and MP for Suame, John Darko, criticized Dr. Ayine for what he described as prejudicial and politically charged statements made about ongoing cases involving the former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, Abdul Wahab Hanan, and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Dr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi).
According to the Minority, the Attorney General’s recent public comments—branding the two as “lawless looters” and members of a “criminal enterprise”—amount to a violation of their right to a fair trial, as guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.
Mr. Darko said the Attorney General’s conduct suggests a pattern of “trial by media”, where suspects are condemned in the public eye before their cases are tested in court.
“The Attorney General is engaging in theatrics and populism, not accountability. His role is to uphold justice, not to destroy reputations before trial,” Mr. Darko said.
He continued:
“Competent prosecutors do not conduct trials in the court of public opinion. They present their evidence before an independent court, where it is subjected to legal scrutiny. What we are witnessing instead is a media circus aimed at scoring political points.”
The Minority maintained that while it supports efforts to promote accountability and fight corruption, such efforts must respect the rule of law and the presumption of innocence.
“We are not against holding people accountable,” Mr. Darko clarified. “What we oppose is biased press commentary that undermines justice and prejudices court proceedings.”
The caucus called on the President and Parliament’s leadership to caution the Attorney General against further public pronouncements on ongoing cases, warning that such conduct erodes public confidence in the justice system.
Observers note that the development has reignited debate about the balance between transparency and due process, as Ghana’s justice system faces growing public scrutiny over politically sensitive prosecutions.
