Former MP for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to rein in what he describes as rising “security thuggery” under the current administration.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face, Atta Akyea expressed concerns that heavy-handed law enforcement tactics risk undermining public trust in the rule of law.
Atta Akyea acknowledged President Mahama’s unique position, noting that he is the first individual to return to power after previously serving as President.
“If you look at the political history of Ghana since 1957, President Mahama is the most blessed person ever, because President Mahama is the first individual who has come back, and therefore he has the hindsight of a previous presidency. And he has been sitting on the sidelines for 8 years, looking at all that former President Akufo-Addo did,” he said.
Atta Akyea praised Mahama’s renewed leadership, calling him “vintage” and expressing hope that his second term would be marked by wisdom and success.
“My serious prayer is that he’s now vintage, there’s no dispute about it. And I expect him to succeed. My prayer is that because of his huge experience and the grace of coming back, he should be the best person around. He’s soldiering on. I hold a humble view that it’s too early to make any serious assessment of what he has done so far.”
However, Atta Akyea’s optimism was tempered by concerns over recent developments related to law enforcement and political investigations.
He believes that these actions are casting a shadow over the administration and undermining the rule of law.
“My only problem is that it seems to me that the nation is dragging on security thuggery. Which I believe he should rein people in. I don’t believe the kind of matters in the space which is poisoning the atmosphere, some kind of gangsterism, masquerading as investigation, should be part of his government,” he stated.
Atta Akyea specifically criticized the methods employed in some arrests and investigations, citing the need for dignity and adherence to due process.
“I hold the view that you can invite a man to appear before the investigative apparatus without razzmatazz. I don’t believe somebody should be handcuffed at the Airport before they come to EOCO. I don’t believe anybody should be cornered by the streetside before they go to the CID headquarters. I don’t believe anybody should come to a point where we have stormed your house. When you are supposed to respect due process in your work of investigations, there’s decency about due process,” he emphasized.
Atta Akyea’s comments come on the heels of the arrest and subsequent detention of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about the use of force in law enforcement. Atta Akyea’s call for restraint and adherence to due process highlights the need for a balanced approach to law enforcement and investigations, ensuring that public trust is maintained and the rule of law is upheld.