The President, John Dramani Mahama, has called on state investigative bodies to intensify efforts in solving high-profile murder cases, including the killings of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and former Member of Parliament J.B. Danquah-Adu.
Addressing the Ghana Bar Association at the presidency on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, President Mahama stressed the need for justice and accountability.
“The government is committed to protecting human rights and ensuring that serious crimes do not go unpunished. I have urged the police and investigative organisations to pursue cases like that of Ahmed Suale more actively. That is how come a first suspect has been arrested. We’re hoping that his interrogation will lead to further arrests of people.”
Ahmed Suale, an investigative journalist with Tiger Eye PI, was assassinated in Accra in 2019 after exposing corruption in Ghanaian football. His murder remains a symbol of the dangers faced by journalists in the country, with rights groups repeatedly calling for justice.
President Mahama also indicated the need for expedited legal proceedings in the case of J.B. Danquah-Adu, the Abuakwa North MP who was stabbed to death at his residence in 2016. While arrests have been made, concerns persist about the pace of prosecution and whether all those involved have been brought to justice.
Beyond the unresolved murders, President Mahama raised concerns over public perception of the judiciary, citing surveys that indicate a declining trust in the legal system. He called for reforms to enhance efficiency and accountability, including the introduction of a fast-track court for corruption cases.
“Every year, billions of cedis are reported misappropriated, yet the process of addressing these cases remains slow and cumbersome. We must have a fast-track court where we’re able to deal with this so that we deter people from just misusing government funds like that.”
President Mahama reassured the legal community of his administration’s willingness to collaborate, dispelling perceptions of tension between the government and the judiciary.
