Does Ghanaian law continue to favour the rich?

In yet another case highlighting the disparity in Ghana’s legal system, Bishop Salifu Amoako, his wife, and a third individual have been granted bail of GH¢50,000 each, with two sureties, by an Accra Circuit Court. The three were involved in a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two individuals in East Legon, an incident that has shocked the public and drawn widespread attention.

The accident, reportedly caused by their son’s reckless driving, has led to an outpouring of grief and condolences for the victims' families. However, Bishop Salifu Amoako’s recent comments defending his son’s actions have added further frustration. “It is an accident. My son did not carry a gun to go and kill somebody,” Amoako remarked. Such a statement, rather than fostering empathy, only aggrandizes the severity of the issue. His son's reckless driving caused this tragic and unforgettable incident, and attempting to downplay it only deepens the public’s pain. Silence, in moments like this, is golden, while speech may only bring more hurt.

Many are questioning whether the court’s swift decision to grant bail reflects the true nature of Ghana’s justice system. Once again, the wealthy and influential seem to benefit from leniency, while ordinary Ghanaians often face harsher consequences for far less serious offenses. This incident follows a disturbing pattern in the country, where the rich and powerful seem to operate above the law, perpetuating the belief that justice is not blind but for sale.

As the case unfolds, Ghanaians are left wondering whether justice will truly be served for the families of the victims or if the privileges of wealth and status will once again take precedence. Bishop Salifu Amoako’s remarks have only fueled the belief that such impunity should not be tolerated or pardoned. The pain caused by this unfortunate incident is deep, and adding to it through dismissive statements can only worsen the public’s outrage.

In a broader context, Ghana is facing a constitutional crisis that extends beyond this tragic accident. Recently, the Supreme Court suspended the execution of the Speaker of Parliament's ruling on four vacant seats, pending a final determination of the case. This decision has fueled concerns about the role of the judiciary in Ghana’s political landscape. Many now believe that the Supreme Court is increasingly acting as a political entity rather than an impartial body committed to upholding justice.

The actions of the judiciary, combined with the leniency shown to the rich and powerful, are leading to widespread disillusionment with Ghana’s legal and political systems. The public is beginning to question whether the rule of law still holds in the country, or if it has been replaced by a system where the wealthy are protected and the voices of the ordinary citizens are ignored.

As we continue to follow the developments in this case, it remains to be seen whether Ghana's legal system will deliver a fair outcome based on the facts or whether the influence of wealth will tip the scales of justice once again. For a country that prides itself on democracy and equality, these incidents serve as a reminder that much work remains to be done to restore faith in the institutions that are meant to serve all citizens equally.