A growing wave of public criticism has emerged across Ghana’s social media space, with many young people questioning what they describe as selective justice by state authorities in handling crime and extradition cases.
The debate intensified following a recent joint operation involving the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ghana’s National Security, the Ministry of Communication, and the Cybercrime Unit, which led to the arrest of an alleged romance scam suspect popularly known as Abu Tricker. The suspect is accused of defrauding U.S. nationals of approximately $8 million over a three-year period and now faces possible extradition.
While acknowledging that cybercrime is a serious offense, critics argue that Ghanaian authorities appear far more willing to cooperate swiftly with Western governments when ordinary citizens are accused of crimes abroad, while high-profile political corruption cases at home remain unresolved.
Online commentators have pointed to the continued absence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from Ghana despite charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor over multiple alleged corruption-related cases. Comparisons have also been drawn to unresolved public finance controversies, including the stalled National Cathedral project, which has cost the state an estimated $58 million, and the Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters project, reported to have exceeded $250 million amid recorded operational losses.
“These cases involve sums far beyond what cybercrime suspects are accused of, yet no extradition requests or visible diplomatic pressure appear to be applied,” one widely shared post read, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many users.
The criticism has fueled broader concerns about political accountability, with some accusing Ghana’s political elite of protecting one another through informal arrangements while aggressively prosecuting non-political actors. Others have framed the issue as a failure of democratic governance, arguing that corruption is being tolerated under the cover of political loyalty, while economic hardship deepens for ordinary citizens.
More extreme voices on social media have gone further, suggesting that persistent impunity and perceived injustice could destabilize public trust in democratic institutions. Analysts caution, however, that such rhetoric reflects frustration rather than an organized political movement, noting that Ghana’s constitutional order remains intact.
Authorities have not issued a formal response to the comparisons circulating online, though security agencies maintain that international cybercrime cases require urgent cooperation due to cross-border legal obligations.
As public debate continues to intensify, civil society groups are calling for consistency in law enforcement, transparency in corruption prosecutions, and equal application of justice regardless of political status. Observers say how authorities respond may shape public confidence in Ghana’s anti-corruption drive in the months ahead.
