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Ghana's
(in)Justice
Feb 10, 2011
 Maxine
Selassie was rudely awakened just hours before dawn when the
police banged in her door based on a tip that a drug cartel was
operating out of a cluster of homes in the area. Being well
educated and versed in her rights Maxine resisted the intrusion and
stood her ground. Since they were not able to find her husband,
whom they claim to be the head of this cartel, they arrested Mrs. Selassie and took her to prison where they held her for 6 wicked weeks.
Maxine Selassie, 54, has lived in Ghana for
10 years, built a home here for her family and worked at the number one
school in Ghana, Ghana International School, for the past 6 years,
maintaining a flawless repute. Nevertheless, the Daily Guide wasted no
time in printing her face on the front page, modified in photoshop,
showing her with large quantities of herb in the background, stating
that she, along with her accomplices were arraigned before the courts
for allegedly dealing in narcotics. Of course, no consideration
was made for consequences of such slander. However, despite the smear
campaign she was supported by her employer, legally and morally and her
character, though attacked, remained in tact thanks to her record.
In light of the fact that the police were
really after her husband and proved determined to keep Mrs. Selassie for
ransom, whether legally or otherwise, her husband, Joseph Selassie
turned himself in and is fighting the charges from behind bars.
The prosecution literally stated that “the
owner of the substance has admitted and we are before you to pray for
the discharge of A1 (first accused person).”
Thus the
prosecution knowingly charged an innocent woman with the sole intent of
baiting her husband, the police detained her and the Daily Guide
discredited her. Once declared innocent Mrs. Selassie was able to
convince the Daily Guide to retract their words, but the damage had been
done and she had already spent 6 weeks in the hell hole that is Ghana's
prison. Even after being vindicated by the courts her personal
property, inclusive of, but not limited to her vehicle has yet to be
restored. Fortunately her employer did not buckle, instead
they reserved her position, allowing her time to recuperate before resuming
her work.
This case reveals a very dark,
murky truth about Ghana's justice system, their disregard for human
rights and the unchecked powers of police. Though we have grown
thick skin on account of our numerous encounters with discrimination in
the West, to be dealt with so ruthlessly at the hands of our own Black
government is sourly disheartening. Fortunately Mrs. Selassie
remains strong and continues to recover from the experience as she is
determined to get on with her life, the more wiser. |
