LET THERE BE CALM (JUNE 5, 2009)

THE decision by some former ministers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Members of Parliament (MPs) and hundreds of their supporters to besiege the headquarters of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) last Tuesday night to express solidarity with the former Chief of Staff, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, who was being questioned on a “wide range of issues” heightened political tension in the country.
Incidentally, the situation was reminiscent of an incident in 2001 when some activists of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stormed the premises of the BNI to also show solidarity with former President Rawlings and the MP for Ningo/Prampram, Mr E.T. Mensah, who had also been invited for questioning by the BNI.
The DAILY GRAPHIC sincerely believes that all our politicians and lawmakers are very much aware that the law establishing the BNI mandates it to invite and interrogate anybody, no matter his or her class or social standing, in the interest of national security.
We are, therefore, of the view that anybody who has a problem with the law should seek a review in Parliament, instead of engaging in actions that are not in tune with laid down procedure.
For far too long our politicians have taken us for a ride. They see and think in a particular way when they are in power; and when they are in opposition they see and think differently. How can we expand the frontiers of our democracy under such circumstances?
Perhaps it is time our politicians were told that the ordinary Ghanaian is not really interested in the politicisation of every single issue under the sun, moon and stars. In the same vein, the politics of victimisation and retaliation — which appears to be the order of the day in our part of the world — is not in anybody’s interest. It only keeps our dear nation going in circles and making no real progress.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is not suggesting that past governments or individuals must not be made to account for their stewardship. Neither are we saying that people who are found culpable should not be made to face the full rigours of the law. No, far from that.
Indeed, not only are we proponents of probity and accountability but also, more important, we steadfastly uphold the responsibility and accountability of all public office holders to the people and nothing will make us waver from that mandate imposed on us by the Constitution.
Whichever way one looks at it, the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the BNI’s decision to deny Mr Mpiani access to his lawyers during his two-day interrogation undermines rule of law and our democratic credentials. In our determination to follow civil governance and due process of law, we cannot pick and choose, especially when it comes to a person’s fundamental human right to legal representation.
Constitutional rule is built on respect for and defence of fundamental human rights. Our national security operatives, therefore, have an obligation to submit investigative procedures to this vital ingredient of democratic rule.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, however, endorses any action by the government to ensure accountability of both past and present government officials. However, in our anti-corruption crusade, we must not deviate from the standard procedures so that those who fall foul of the law do not hide behind political victimisation to frustrate the cause of justice.