Outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has urged Members of Parliament to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out criminal investigations without political interference, stressing that public office should not protect anyone from accountability.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr Ayariga said MPs must be careful not to use the House to pressure investigators or defend politicians facing allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
“Crime is crime. We believe that we pass laws in this House so that they will be enforced outside there,” he told Parliament.
Mr Ayariga said Parliament has a responsibility not only to make laws but also to respect the institutions mandated to enforce them.
He cautioned MPs against politicising criminal investigations, arguing that doing so could weaken public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
The outgoing Majority Leader said politicians accused of wrongdoing should be subjected to the same legal processes as ordinary citizens.
He particularly objected to the perception that criminal allegations involving politicians should be treated differently from those involving ordinary members of the public.
“We cannot create the impression that there is one law for politicians and another for ordinary citizens,” he said.
Mr Ayariga noted that ordinary citizens accused of relatively minor offences are often subjected to legal processes without the kind of political intervention that can accompany cases involving public officials.
He therefore urged MPs to allow investigators and prosecutors to perform their duties without intimidation or interference.
His comments also touched on the role of Parliament in relation to the judiciary. He called on MPs to respect the independence of the courts and avoid interventions that could be interpreted as attempts to influence matters before the judiciary.
Mr Ayariga was speaking in the context of concerns over a judge’s decision to suspend a legal vacation to facilitate the expedited hearing of a case involving an accused person.
He defended the decision, arguing that a person who believes they are innocent should welcome a speedy hearing that could help clear their name.
“If you are innocent, you should be happy that your case is being heard quickly so that your name can be cleared,” he said.
According to Mr Ayariga, allowing cases to proceed without unnecessary delays serves both the interests of justice and the accused.
He maintained that law enforcement agencies and the judiciary must be allowed to operate independently, regardless of the political identity or status of individuals involved in criminal cases.
His comments come amid continuing debates over the treatment of politicians who face criminal investigations and the extent to which political institutions should intervene in such matters.
Mr Ayariga said maintaining equal accountability is essential to strengthening the rule of law and preserving public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
