‘We want justice, not drama’ – Manasseh to incoming Chief Justice

Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has called on the incoming Chief Justice to ensure that high-profile corruption cases are prosecuted swiftly and not dragged by procedural delays or what he described as “outrageous” bail conditions.

In a Facebook post sighted by Today.com.gh, Mr. Awuni said it was time for Ghana’s justice system to draw a clear line between genuine justice and courtroom theatrics.

“Public office holders who have stolen from us must face justice. But when we see justice, we know it. And when we see drama, we know it. What we want is justice, not drama,” he wrote.

He expressed frustration over how corruption-related cases involving politically exposed persons often take years to conclude, unlike in other countries where similar matters are resolved swiftly.

“Our election petition hearings or suits against the EC in election years are concluded in a matter of a few weeks. I see no reason why we cannot resolve high-profile corruption cases in two months,” he stated.

Mr. Awuni urged the Chief Justice to establish well-resourced special courts to handle corruption-related cases efficiently, without unnecessary adjournments or legal maneuvering.

“Don’t give lawyers of the accused thieves room to needless drag the process. If prosecutors are not ready with everything needed for trial, they should also not waste the courts’ time,” he cautioned.

He also criticized the abuse of bail as a punitive tool rather than a constitutional safeguard.

“Using bail as punishment must cease. Let swift prosecution begin. That is what Ghanaians need. That is what the alleged thieves deserve. Ghanaians need swift prosecutions, not unending slideshows of useless drama,” he concluded.