Security analyst Richard Kumadoe has identified delays in prosecution and court proceedings as a significant challenge in Ghana's fight against organised crime. He stated that the effectiveness of investigations and arrests relies on successful prosecution and conclusion of cases through the justice system. Kumadoe made these comments on the Asaase Breakfast Show on September 21.
Kumadoe emphasized that investigators should not be blamed for delays that occur after cases are handed over for prosecution. He noted that when investigators complete their work and hand over cases to the Attorney General, any subsequent delays should not be attributed to them. This, he believes, is a crucial aspect to consider in assessing Ghana's response to suspected international drug trafficking.
The security analyst discussed Ghana's response to a series of arrests involving passengers travelling from Ghana on suspected international drug trafficking. Kumadoe highlighted that prolonged delays in adjudicating criminal cases weaken the deterrent effect of law enforcement. He stated that delays embolden criminals, weaken victims, and demoralize investigators.
Kumadoe stressed that Ghana's performance in tackling crime should be evaluated across the full criminal justice chain. This includes crime prevention, detection, prosecution, and the eventual outcome of cases before the courts. He also emphasized the importance of confiscating assets linked to criminal activity to disrupt the financial structures of criminal networks.
According to Kumadoe, criminal networks can remain resilient when proceeds of crime are not effectively confiscated and cases are not concluded in a timely manner. He called for closer cooperation between prosecutors, police commanders, and other relevant authorities, particularly at the regional level, to ensure efficient handling of cases.
Kumadoe suggested that having a large number of judges working on specific cases could help reduce delays and expedite outcomes. He also highlighted Ghana's significant security and intelligence capabilities, including systems for profiling suspected criminal networks. Kumadoe emphasized that the focus should extend beyond arresting individual couriers to disrupting the wider structures that finance, organise, and benefit from illicit trafficking.
The security analyst's comments come as Ghana continues to grapple with organised crime. Kumadoe's suggestions aim to enhance the country's ability to effectively prosecute and conclude cases, ultimately strengthening its fight against organised crime.
Key points
- Delays in prosecution and court proceedings hinder Ghana's fight against organised crime.
- Prolonged delays in adjudicating criminal cases weaken the deterrent effect of law enforcement.
- Closer cooperation between prosecutors, police commanders, and other authorities is necessary to efficiently handle cases.
