I will not sacrifice due process in corruption fight –Nana Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to upholding due process and natural justice in the fight against corruption in the country.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the new 12-story Law House in Accra on Monday, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the fight against corruption remains a cornerstone of his administration, despite criticism from certain quarters.

“For my part, and let me state it again for the record, I would not set aside due process and rules of natural justice on the altar of the fight against corruption no matter how much opprobrium this position incurs for me,” the President asserted.

The President highlighted several measures his government has instituted since he took office, which include legislative advancements and administrative actions to strengthen the state’s capacity in combating corruption.

“Administratively, a series of other far-reaching measures have been undertaken by my government to help in the fight against corruption. The Memorandum of Understanding on information exchange and collaboration in combating corruption and crime in general has been signed by the Auditor-General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney General, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Police Service, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Internal Audit Agency, the National Investigations Bureau, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” noted President Akufo-Addo.

The President also underscored the deployment of technology to enhance transparency and efficiency within the judicial system. “We have introduced digital platforms for public procurement processes, reducing human intervention and minimizing the opportunities for corrupt practices. These platforms have increased transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in public procurement, ensuring that public resources are judiciously used for the benefit of Ghanaians.”

The new 12-story Law House marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s legal and judicial landscape. “This state-of-the-art facility will now house the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice, providing a conducive environment for the efficient administration of the law in our country,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

The President paid tribute to Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, for his dedication to the completion of the Law House project. “When he assumed office as Attorney General, the completion status of the Law House Project was at 36%. His commitment, together with my support, was instrumental in reviving and bringing the project to completion.”

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the significance of the Law House transcends its physical structure. “The importance of the Law House goes beyond its physical structure as it symbolizes the government’s strong dedication to upholding the tenets of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of any thriving democracy. The rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, that justice is administered fairly and impartially, and that the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected.”

A notable achievement of his administration he said, has been the digitization and modernization of the legal and judicial systems. “One of our key achievements in this regard is the digitization of court processes. We’ve introduced electronic filing systems, reducing the reliance on paper-based documentation and streamlining the judicial process,” the President emphasized.

These advancements have expedited case handling and enhanced transparency and accountability within the legal system. “Lawyers and litigants can now file their documents online, access case information, and receive updates on their cases in real-time,” the President explained