A lawyer has publicly questioned the fairness of Ghana’s criminal justice system, arguing that the law appears merciful to the powerful and harsh on the poor. He cited the Obuasi school scandal, where at least 19 girls have alleged sexual abuse by the headmaster, who denies wrongdoing and enjoys the presumption of innocence. The lawyer noted that police response to the allegations has been restrained, while suspects accused of offensive speech are often detained swiftly and for weeks.
He also referenced a recent case involving three former executives and a businessman from the Northern Development Authority, who were convicted of corruption‑related offences but received only GH¢4,000 fines. The court cited mitigating circumstances, including prevention of financial loss, as legally permissible. The lawyer contrasted this with poor offenders imprisoned for stealing food, who cannot afford fines or legal representation.
“I’m demanding consistency, fairness, and equal justice,” the lawyer said. “The law must protect every suspect’s rights while ensuring that serious allegations receive serious attention.” He highlighted Attorney General Dominic Ayini’s proposal to deploy lawyers to police stations as a step forward, but warned that legal representation alone cannot cure inconsistent enforcement.
The lawyer urged police, executives, schoolgirls and the public to watch closely, emphasizing that confidence in the law suffers when justice appears harsh on the weak but accommodating to the powerful. He concluded that justice must be fair, merciful and equal, regardless of status.
