Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has cautioned against any political intervention in the legal proceedings involving Sedinam Tamakloe, warning that attempts to secure her release through political influence could undermine the government’s credibility.
Speaking on Kessben TV’s Digest about the ongoing debate surrounding Tamakloe’s extradition case, Azeem stressed that the matter must be allowed to follow the legal process without interference.
According to Azeem, the responsibility for pursuing the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta rests largely with the Attorney-General.
“It is only the Attorney-General who can bring Ofori Atta back to Ghana to face trial,” he stated.
He noted that the Attorney-General is currently engaging with authorities in the United States to seek Ofori Atta’s extradition to answer allegations before the courts.
Azeem commended the government for initiating steps to address the matter.
“It is a credit to the government to make an initiative to deal with the Ofori Atta issue,” he said.
The anti-corruption advocate rejected suggestions that political authorities should seek to overturn or weaken the legal process.
“I don’t think the President will just ask Sedinam to appeal so she will be set free because that would be a disaster to this government and a disgrace,” he warned.
According to him, any perception of political protection would undermine public confidence in the government’s commitment to accountability.
While insisting that the law should take its course, Azeem acknowledged that constitutional mechanisms, such as presidential pardons, exist but should come into play only after conviction and a period of imprisonment.
“A presidential pardon can happen later after some years of a jail term because it has happened before under both NDC and NPP governments,” he noted.
Azeem also reflected broadly on Ghana’s anti-corruption fight, arguing that political leaders often behave differently once they assume office.
“Politicians are politicians when it comes to the fight against corruption based on the pressures that come their way,” he observed.
He added that while many politicians may enter office with genuine intentions to combat corruption, the realities of power often alter those commitments.
“They may have personal will and commitment to fight corruption, but when they assume power, things change,” Azeem stated.
His remarks come amid renewed public debate over accountability, extradition proceedings, and the government’s handling of high-profile corruption-related cases.
