Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has commended the justice sector reforms being undertaken by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, describing them as a significant step towards restoring public confidence in Ghana’s legal and judicial system.
Speaking during an interactive engagement with party grassroots members following the installation of Nana Richard Kofi Asiedu in the Central Region, Dr. Segbefia said the government’s reforms have transformed the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice into an institution that serves the interests of all Ghanaians, particularly ordinary citizens.
According to him, before the NDC assumed office in January 2025, the justice system was widely perceived as slow, underfunded, inaccessible, and overly influenced by politics.
“The law was seen as serving only the rich and powerful, while ordinary Ghanaians waited endlessly for justice. Corruption often went unpunished, and many citizens lost confidence in our legal system,” he stated.
Restoring Trust in Justice
Dr. Segbefia explained that the Mahama administration has adopted the guiding principle of “Justice for All, Accountability for All”, with the objective of rebuilding public trust, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring equal access to justice.
He highlighted several key reforms, including:
Evidence-based prosecutions that eliminate political interference and strengthen the credibility of the Attorney General’s Department.
Special task forces established to fast-track long-pending criminal, civil, land, and corruption-related cases.
Expansion of Legal Aid offices and mobile legal clinics to districts, providing free legal services to vulnerable and low-income citizens.
Strong collaboration between the Attorney General’s Department, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), CHRAJ, and EOCO to prosecute corruption and recover stolen state assets.
Recovery of state funds and properties lost through judgment debts and unlawful contracts.
Proposed legal reforms targeting cybercrime, human trafficking, domestic violence, juvenile justice, and the protection of women and children.
Improved mechanisms for resolving land and chieftaincy disputes to reduce conflicts in communities.
Recruitment and training of additional state attorneys, investigators, and prosecutors, supported by modern ICT systems for efficient case management.
Enhanced cooperation among the Attorney General’s Department, the Police Service, the Judiciary, and other state institutions to improve prosecution outcomes.
Strong legal oversight of government actions to prevent costly judgment debts.
Vigorous prosecution of electoral violence and election-related offences to safeguard Ghana’s democracy.
Prison decongestion initiatives and diversion programmes for first-time and juvenile offenders.
Benefits to Ordinary Ghanaians
Dr. Segbefia noted that these reforms are already improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
He explained that farmers, traders, artisans, women, and young people can now access justice more easily through expanded Legal Aid services, while faster court processes are reducing unnecessary delays in resolving disputes.
He further observed that the prosecution of corrupt public officials and the recovery of stolen public funds create more resources for schools, healthcare facilities, roads, and employment opportunities.
According to him, businesses now have greater confidence that contracts will be enforced and fraudulent activities prosecuted, thereby improving the investment climate.
Message to NDC Grassroots
Dr. Segbefia urged NDC grassroots members across the Central Region to actively educate communities on the government’s justice reforms.
He encouraged constituency executives to:
Promote awareness of Legal Aid services and assist residents in accessing free legal support.
Organise community education programmes on land rights, contracts, labour laws, and citizens’ legal rights.
Encourage the reporting of corruption, fraud, and abuse of office to the appropriate institutions.
Support peaceful dispute resolution through legal processes instead of violence.
Assist victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and fraud to obtain justice.
Document successful legal interventions and use them to demonstrate the positive impact of the government’s reforms.
“Take the Message to Every Community”
Dr. Segbefia called on party faithful to make justice sector reforms a central campaign message, arguing that the restoration of confidence in the legal system represents one of the government’s most significant achievements.
“When a farmer wins a land case in months instead of years, when a market woman receives free legal aid, when stolen state funds are recovered to build schools and health facilities, and when our youth are protected under the law, that is the NDC delivering for the people.”
He concluded by urging members to carry the message to every branch, market, and community across the Central Region.
“Go out and declare with confidence that the NDC has restored justice, is fighting corruption, expanding access to free legal aid, and making the law work for the ordinary Ghanaian. That is how we strengthen public trust, deepen our grassroots support, and build a stronger Ghana.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
