“Power is transient, those using institutions today will not be there forever” – Jerry Ahmed Shaib

The Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has accused state authorities of political intimidation following the arrest of former public official Maxwell Kofi Jumah, describing the move as part of a broader pattern of targeting opposition figures.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (30 April), Shaib rejected claims that the arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) was a routine law enforcement action, insisting instead that due process had been compromised.

“They should stop the unnecessary intimidation. Stop the unwarranted arrest of MPP people,” he said, arguing that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would not be silenced by what he described as politically motivated actions.

The MP maintained that while the opposition supports accountability and lawful investigations, such processes must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions, including the right to legal representation and protection from unlawful searches.

“We are not against accountability. Let the law work — but use the proper procedure,” he stated.

Shaib alleged that security operatives had, in some instances, conducted raids without warrants and seized personal belongings without proper documentation, actions he said violate constitutional safeguards under Articles 14 and 18.

He further claimed that individuals targeted in recent operations were sometimes denied access to lawyers or not informed of the reasons for their arrest — a situation he described as “undemocratic” and dangerous for public trust.

“If you arrest a person and the person is not even aware of the reason… is that not a violation of the Constitution?” he asked.

The MP also warned that continued reliance on such tactics could erode confidence in state institutions and provoke public backlash, urging authorities to act professionally and in the national interest rather than along partisan lines.

“Power is transient,” he added. “Those using institutions today must remember they will not be there forever.”

The arrest of Jumah has triggered sharp political debate, with the minority describing it as persecution, while government officials maintain it is part of a legitimate probe into alleged financial irregularities.

Shaib, however, insisted that the manner of enforcement — rather than the investigation itself — is at the heart of the concern, stressing that adherence to due process remains essential to preserving democratic norms.