BY Daniel Bampoe
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Awuku, has called on the security and investigative agencies to uphold professionalism, impartiality, and restraint in the execution of their duties, cautioning that perceived excesses risk eroding public confidence in state institutions.
Speaking at the 2026 Leadership and Law Series organised by the Law Students’ Network at the ISSER Conference Centre of the University of Ghana, Legon, Sammi Awuku raised concerns over what he described as troubling patterns in the treatment of some former government officials.
His remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing investigations by agencies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Intelligence, BNI, following the transition of power after the 2024 general elections.
According to him, while accountability remains essential in any democratic system, the approach adopted by some state institutions must not give the impression of political targeting.
He explained that several former appointees of the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo are being subjected to treatment that undermines their dignity, warning that such actions could weaken trust in the justice system.
“I have seen great senior members of my party, distinct former appointees, being treated like human garbage,” he stated, urging officers within the security services to align their loyalty with the state rather than political actors or temporary holders of power.
Awuku’s comments reflect a broader national conversation about the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and the protection of civil liberties, especially during political transitions.
Beyond the security concerns, the Akuapem North MP used the platform to challenge young law students to rethink their approach to education and leadership, stressing that academic excellence alone is insufficient for success in law, governance, and public life.
He described law and politics as “living systems” that continuously shape societal outcomes, whether citizens actively engage them or not.
“The classroom is necessary, but it is not sufficient,” he noted, explaining that real-world success depends on a combination of awareness, positioning, timing, and the ability to navigate institutional structures.
Drawing on philosophical insights from thinkers like Aristotle and Niccolò Machiavelli, Sammi Awuku argued that power is not sustained by principle alone but also by strategy and a deep understanding of how systems operate.
He emphasized that influence in both law and politics is often determined by networks, perception, and timing rather than intelligence alone.
“It is not always about who is smarter, but who understands how to position themselves within systems of opportunity,” he told the students.
He further advised the future legal practitioners to pay attention to personal branding and digital presence, noting that in today’s interconnected world, public perception plays a significant role in shaping opportunities and influence.
On the political front, Sammi Awuku also used the occasion to rally members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its youth wing to begin strategic preparations toward the 2028 general elections.
He acknowledged that recent political experiences have exposed important lessons about the use and management of power, urging party faithful to approach the future with intentionality and discipline.
“The past months have shown how power can be used. We must reflect, learn, and prepare for 2028,” he said, stressing that unity, organisation, and grassroots mobilisation will be key to the party’s prospects.
The event, held under the theme “Beyond the Classroom: Winning in Law and Politics,” brought together students, legal minds, and political actors, highlighting the intersection between legal education and governance.
