Apply the Law Equally and Fairly

I have come across a publication on starrfmonline.com (https://starrfm.com.gh/…/it-will-be-unwise-to-prosecute-ak…/) headlined “It will be “unwise” to prosecute Akropong Kingmakers – Police”, which depicts an era of selectivity in the application of the law in the country.

It would be recalled that videos and photos of the installation of a chief which took place at Akropong went viral on social media and other media platforms. These images and videos attracted public criticisms over the blatant disregard to the orders of the President on instructions issued under the Imposition of Restriction Act 2020 (Act 1012) which placed ban on public gathering except for private funerals which were to be observe strictly that participants are not more that twenty five (25).

It was reported later that some four persons considered to be among the kingmakers were arrested by the police. In the Starr FM online publication, the Akropong District Police Commander, Superintendent Stephen Tetteh was reported to have dismissed calls for their immediate prosecution. According to him, the circumstances prevalent in the area would not allow for the prosecution of those arrested for allegedly flouting the Executive orders of the President of the Republic of Ghana.

It must be noted that the Constitution 1992, under Article 17 (1) and (2) guarantees equality among citizens. The provision further frowns on discrimination in any form, against any citizen of the Republic.

Pursuant to enforcing the Presidential orders under the Imposition of Restriction Act, some citizens were picked up, arraigned before court with some fined various sums of monies. Specific mention can be made of the pastor in my own District, the South Dayi District of the Volta Region, Apostle Sampson Agakpe who is the founder of the Church of Pure Christ, with three of his members receiving a fine of GH¢13,200 each. In default, they would be required to serve four years imprisonment each in hard labour.

The Asokwa District Court some weeks ago, granted bail to the head pastor of Open Arms Ministries, Apostle Kofi Nkansah Sarkodie, and one other to the tune of GH¢10,000 each with two sureties over their disregard to the orders under the Act 2020 (Act1012) on public gathering.

A couple of weeks ago, some two suspects were arrested for defying the Presidential order once again in holding a birthday party.

As a summary, as of 30th April, the Director of the Police Public Affairs indicates that some 1,326 persons were arrested for flouting the Restrictions Order. Out of that number, 306 were under investigations, 624 granted bail, 221 in court and 175 convicted.

From the above, it makes complete discrimination for preferential treatments being extended to offenders of similar crimes in the Akropong installation incidence.

It is my considered view, and this view is supported by the Supreme law of the land, the Constitution 1992 under Article 17 (1)(2) that citizens arrested for similar crimes are treated equally without presenting any sense of discrimination.

It is against this background that I see the comment by the Akropong-Akuapem Police Commander to hold brief against demands for the prosecution of the arrested as unfortunate, reprehensible and condemnable.

I call on the authorities and especially the law enforcers to ensure that treatments extended to Ghanaians are in line with our Constitution and devoid of discrimination.

Signed:
Rockson-Nelson E.K. Dafeamekpor, Esq.
MP, South Dayi
Member, Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Parliament of Ghana