By Gifty Amofa
Accra, Nov. 6, GNA - Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo (Retired), one of the 10 persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government, has outdoored a-28-chapter book titled “From Persecution to Freedom: Reflections on my journey through the justice system in Ghana.”
The over 500-page book emanated from experiences after his arrest, prosecution and finally acquittal and discharge after trial by a three-panel High Court.
ACP Dr Agordzo said the book was to provoke the justice system to ensure innocent people were not sent to prison.
He urged crime investigators to diligently carry out their mandate to make sure that those who commit crimes were punished and not the wrong people.
In the book, Dr Agordzo explored human rights and justice issues based on his personal experiences within the Ghanaian criminal justice system.
He said, “With 35 years of distinguished police service, ACP Agordzo found himself accused of abetment of treason in the infamous “kitchen knife coup,” at the latter part of his career.”
He said this provided him the unique opportunity to shed light on systematic flaws and abuses within the system as he traversed along the criminal justice spectrum.
Forwarded by Professor S. Kwaku Asare, University of Florida, CDD-Ghana Democracy and Development Fellow in Public and Justice, the book gave a comprehensive analysis of the justice system through experiential, literary, transparency and human rights, calling for urgent reforms within the justice system.
“From Persecution to Freedom,” not only informs but also inspires readers to recognize the importance of perseverance and intellectual curiosity in effecting change in the world.
It also offers the best insights to law enforcement fraternity, lawyers, security analysts, policymakers, and policy implementers, among others.”
Dr Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe, a politician and chairman for the launch, commended the author for his courage in describing his experience in a book.
He said many, for fear of being victimized, would not put such things out when they were out of jail.
Dr Tamakloe encouraged people with similar experiences to put them on paper to help fight injustice.
He said Ghana would not develop without leadership addressing the ills in the society, adding that the Country needed committed leaders to nib the wrongs in the bud, especially when they were exposed.
The first copy of the book was bought at GHC5,000.00.
The launch brought together stakeholders, including representatives from the Chief Justice, academia, lawyers, active and retired security officers, traditional leaders and family.
GNA