Don’t interfere with the rule of law; power is not a licence for crime – Atta Akyea

Former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has cautioned against political interference in the administration of justice, stressing that democratic governance requires unwavering respect for the rule of law, regardless of who holds power.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, January 9, 2026, the senior member of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team said occupying government positions does not confer immunity from accountability when individuals are found to have breached the law.

“If you understand the ethos of democracy, don’t interfere with the rule of law,” he said, adding that “the fact that you are in power does not license you to be criminal.”

Mr Atta Akyea voiced concern over previous decisions by Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine to enter nolle prosequi in cases involving individuals who had already been properly arraigned before courts of competent jurisdiction, describing such moves as disturbing and politically driven.

He maintained that accountability must be applied consistently, irrespective of political affiliation, and assured that an NPP government led by Dr Bawumia would allow due process to proceed without interference.

“If Bawumia should be president and it is found that an NPP individual has fallen foul of the law, my view is that due process must run,” he stated.

Addressing whether the issue lies with the law itself or with those who occupy the office of Attorney-General, Mr Atta Akyea argued that the challenge is largely political rather than legal. While acknowledging that the law allows the Attorney-General to enter nolle prosequi, he said exercising that power in cases involving serious financial implications and ongoing trials reflects political will and democratic posture.

He stressed that the concern is not the existence of the power itself, but how and when it is used, suggesting that the current approach reflects a political decision rather than a legal necessity.

Mr Atta Akyea further warned that the lack of a legal requirement for the Attorney-General to justify such decisions raises constitutional concerns, predicting that the matter could eventually be tested before the Supreme Court to determine whether such powers can be exercised at the discretion of the government and the Attorney-General.