Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has criticized Ghana’s justice system for what she describes as glaring double standards that punish ordinary citizens harshly while allowing corrupt politicians to act with impunity.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Talk No Dey Cook Rice podcast, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings drew sharp contrasts between the severe penalties imposed on petty offenders and the lack of accountability among public officials who misuse state resources.
She recalled the case of a trader who was sentenced to two years in prison for damaging part of an overpass, questioning why political figures responsible for mismanaging infrastructure funds often face no consequences.
“Are we going to be able to do that to a public servant or a politician who does the equivalent of damaging that, where a road should have been built and it wasn’t? They got the money, but we can’t account for how it translated into a road being built — and yet they walk free because maybe they supported someone’s campaign,” she said.
According to the legislator, such selective justice undermines public confidence and weakens democratic governance.
“You can’t expect citizens to do the right thing when those entrusted with higher responsibilities and greater access to the nation’s wealth are held to a different standard,” she warned.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also cited examples of shoddy infrastructure projects that waste public funds and fail to serve their intended purpose. She referenced a recently completed building at the Adabraka Polyclinic, handed over by the Coastal Development Agency, which she said was poorly constructed and unfit for use.
“Money was spent on that building — even the painting job. I think some kid in class one would have done a better painting job than what I saw there,” she remarked, questioning why medical staff were not consulted before the facility’s handover.
The MP linked these issues to what she termed a wider culture of irresponsibility among both leaders and citizens, warning that complacency breeds further decline.
“When leadership is unwilling to bring people along and expect more from them, you create a feeling of ‘what difference does it make anyway?’”
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings urged Ghanaian leaders to emulate countries such as Rwanda and Singapore, where discipline, integrity, and adherence to the law underpin national progress.
“You cannot take plastics into Rwanda. You are not allowed to chew gum in Singapore — whether you’re a visitor or a VIP, no exceptions. There are tough decisions you have to take to ensure good governance,” she stated.
For her, true governance goes beyond elections; it is about dignity, safety, and accountability for all citizens.
“Leadership must deliver for the people — ensuring their dignity, improving working conditions, and reducing needless deaths on our roads. If we fail in that, then governance itself becomes meaningless.”
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings concluded with a call for integrity-driven leadership and systemic reform.
“At some point, we must draw the line and do what is right for the people of Ghana,” she insisted.
Source – My News Ghana
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