Rule of Law Must Prevail, Not Political Revenge – Alex Segbefia

Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Alex Segbefia, has urged Ghanaians to remain committed to the rule of law, insisting that the John Mahama administration will not sacrifice due process in its pursuit of accountability and the fight against corruption.

Addressing members of the Ghanaian community in Montreal, Canada, Mr. Segbefia said the government’s commitment to the rule of law distinguishes it from political persecution, stressing that every individual accused of wrongdoing deserves a fair legal process before any punishment is imposed.

He cautioned against public pressure for immediate imprisonment of persons under investigation, noting that justice must follow established legal procedures.

“The law grinds slowly, but it does not stop,” he stated, adding that those found culpable would ultimately be held accountable, while those who are innocent would be acquitted.

According to him, the current administration remains determined to ensure accountability without undermining the country’s judicial system.

Mr. Segbefia argued that respecting due process is in the long-term interest of every Ghanaian because political power is temporary and governments change over time.

“History has taught me that no matter how well you think you are governing, change is inevitable. One day, you too may need the protection of the same rule of law,” he said.

He cited the experience of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Richard Quayson, saying strict adherence to legal processes prevented what he described as attempts by the previous administration to prosecute him unjustly.

Mr. Segbefia maintained that the same legal protections should apply to everyone regardless of political affiliation, warning against manipulating or short-circuiting judicial processes for political expediency.

He expressed confidence in the work being undertaken by the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, stating that investigations and prosecutions are being conducted within the framework of the law.

“If they are wrong, they will be jailed. If they are not, they will be acquitted. But don’t tamper with the process. It is all you have. Trust the process,” he emphasised.

Touching on ongoing anti-corruption efforts, Mr. Segbefia disclosed that one suspect had already been extradited to Ghana while efforts were underway to extradite a former Finance Minister to answer questions before the appropriate authorities.

He explained that the extradition process is also governed by international legal procedures and cannot be rushed simply to satisfy public expectations.

Mr. Segbefia reiterated that the government would not condone wrongdoing but would equally not abandon the principles of justice and fairness.”We will not do it the wrong way because it is wrong, and we cannot condone wrong things,” he said.

He concluded by appealing to Ghanaians both at home and abroad to exercise patience and have confidence in the country’s legal institutions, expressing optimism that everyone who must account for their actions would eventually do so through the due process of law.