Political influence in criminal cases undermines justice – Ayipah
Charles Ayipah urges politicians and influential persons to respect judicial processes while ensuring suspects have access to legal representation and fair treatment under the law.
A member of the Communications Team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Navrongo Central Constituency, Charles Ayipah, has cautioned against political interference in criminal cases, stressing that the rule of law must be allowed to prevail when individuals are arrested for alleged offences.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday, May 29, Ayipah argued that politicians should refrain from using their influence to obstruct investigations or judicial processes involving criminal suspects.
According to him, justice can only be served when law enforcement agencies and the courts are allowed to perform their duties without external pressure or interference.
Addressing the issue during a discussion on criminal arrests and the administration of justice, Ayipah acknowledged that politicians, traditional leaders, and relatives are often approached to intervene when individuals are arrested. However, he noted that such interventions are frequently driven by the inability of families to accept that their loved ones may have committed a crime.
“For me, I don’t subscribe to political interference when people fall foul of the law. I believe that the law must take its course,” he stated.
He explained that family members often presume the innocence of arrested relatives and therefore seek assistance from influential persons in the community.
“It is very difficult for someone to admit or come to terms with the fact that a family member may have committed a crime. In many cases, relatives genuinely believe the person is innocent,” he said.
Ayipah, however, distinguished between interference aimed at obstructing justice and efforts intended to ensure that suspects receive fair legal representation.
“If by interference we mean helping an accused person to secure legal representation and ensuring that their rights are protected, then I do not see anything wrong with that,” he added.
He emphasized that every suspect is entitled to legal counsel and due process under the law, but warned against attempts by influential individuals to use their positions to secure the release of persons who may be guilty of criminal offences.
According to him, such actions undermine public confidence in the justice system and weaken efforts to maintain law and order in society.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
