Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has pushed back against criticisms directed at President John Mahama over the discontinuation of certain legal cases, arguing that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration had ample time to secure convictions but failed to do so.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 10, Shamima questioned why Mahama’s government is now being blamed for cases that the NPP had eight years to prosecute.
“The NPP had a full eight years to pursue some of these cases. They had a very favorable representation in the courts,” she pointed out.
She further suggested that the previous administration under Nana Akufo-Addo may have influenced judicial appointments to serve its interests.
“Excuse me to say, but we are all aware of the concerns regarding former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s appointments to the judiciary and allegations that some court rulings were influenced,” she added.
According to Shamima, if the NPP had strong evidence against individuals they accused of corruption, they would have successfully secured convictions long before Mahama’s administration took over.
“If they genuinely had cases against these individuals, they would have prosecuted and jailed them during their tenure, just as they did with others in the past,” she stated.
She also assured that President Mahama remains committed to upholding justice and transparency, emphasizing that his government is not interested in shielding wrongdoers.
“We should have confidence that he will not cover up for any member of his administration. He has made it clear that while we begin implementing ORAL’s findings under the legal mandate of Ghana’s Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, we will also introduce Operation Prevent All Loots (OPAL),” she concluded.
