Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu says Cabinet has approved the reintroduction of special tribunals to accelerate the handling of corruption and illicit wealth cases.
Speaking on PM Express on Joy News on Tuesday, the Member of Parliament for Abura Asebu-Kwamankese explained that the move is intended to address delays within the judicial system.
According to him, the tribunals will focus on cases connected to the government’s anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), as well as other matters involving suspected illicit wealth.
“Cabinet has approved the reintroduction of the tribunal system, which, in any event, is in the Constitution,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.
He added that the tribunals will soon be operational and are expected to help reduce the backlog of cases within the courts.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu’s comments come amid criticism from some anti-corruption advocates who believe the government is not moving quickly enough in pursuing corruption-related prosecutions.
Responding to concerns raised by some members of the ORAL committee, including former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, he said investigations are already producing results.
According to him, since the Attorney-General assumed office, investigative work has led to the preparation of 27 completed dockets, while the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is reviewing about 40 additional cases.
He added that the investigations have resulted in the arrest of more than 140 individuals and the seizure of assets valued at about GH¢1.5 billion, with several suspects currently facing trial.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that once cases are filed in court, the pace of proceedings is determined by the judiciary and not the executive.
He said the government cannot interfere with the work of judges but can only build strong cases, gather evidence and present them before the courts for determination.
The reintroduction of special tribunals, he said, is intended to help ensure corruption and financial crime cases are handled more efficiently within the justice system.
