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Opinions of Wednesday, 23 September 2015

Columnist: Allan Buah

A letter to Anas Aremeyaw Anas

Opinion Opinion

When I first heard the Anas expose of corrupt practices by Ghanaian judges, I was quite sceptical of this news though I knew this single-minded investigate journalist really did it. And ever since this corruption scandal got into the public domain, we all have experienced a sinister atmosphere due to the delicate nature of this issue.

For corrupt judges being exposed by a renowned investigated journalist like Anas Aremeyaw Anas is a true reflection of our society’s moral decay of immense proportions. Oh some judges we perceived as sacred individuals of great eminence constitutionally dedicated to upholding the rule of law have stooped to allegedly accepting bribes (in cash and kind) to free suspects!

Moreover, we thank God for Anas Aremeyaw Anas whom I describe in all sincerity as ‘’an angel of light’’ who fights our corrupt system. This Ghanaian investigative journalist born in the late 1970s and having vast experience in investigative journalism which focuses on issues of human rights and corruption in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa has thrown a heavenly light on the dark character of elite public figures. Again, without prejudicing the general public against our judiciary, Anas deserves a handshake from Christ for this ‘’Ghana Judiciary Scandal’’ which Otumfuo Osei Tutu terms as ‘’the tsunami of scandals.’’

However, the legal battles still continue as time is running out on the upcoming premiere of ‘’Ghana Judiciary Scandal’’ at the Accra International Centre (AICC). Some lawyers claiming to possess legal prowess have kicked against these revelations by Anas Aremeyaw Anas citing related law sections like ‘’one cannot provoke crime and be a witness to that same crime in the court of law to back his argument’’ (sourced form the Criminal Code of the Republic of Ghana). But Anas, his team and some members of the public who pray for the success of the impeachment petition filed against 34 judges and other judicial officers remain resolute in the Attorney-General’s granting of Anas Aremeyaw Anas immunity from prosecution or any civil suit as per provisions of the Whistle Blowers Act (Act 720, Section 19).

Furthermore, it is my absolute desire to see the rule of law being fully applied in this ongoing case of national concern. I also pray for more divine grace on Anas Aremeyaw Anas to do exceedingly well in investigative journalism for our corrupt African society. And how can I end without challenging ourselves to act as angels of light in our respective worlds all in the name of Pan-Africanism? For our collective motto henceforth could be ‘’service to God and country’’ as we learn to individually deal with our personal immoral attitudes on a daily basis. But let us remember that gift-giving is a norm in our Ghanaian society, but bribery is a crime and thus a punishable offence.