NDC Mad At Judiciary Over Harassment and Victimisation of Dormaahene
Accra, Ghana – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a press statement expressing its condemnation of the alleged persecution of the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, by the Judicial Council and the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.
According to the NDC, the revered chief, who also serves as a Justice of the High Court under the name Justice Daniel Mensah, has been summoned before a committee constituted by the Judicial Council, chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo. The summons is in relation to comments made by the Dormaahene regarding the ongoing prosecution of the re-elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson.
The NDC clarifies that the Dormaahene made a passionate appeal for the country to consider amending the existing legal regime on the ineligibility of dual citizens to be elected as Members of Parliament. The NDC asserts that these comments did not prejudice any pending court case or breach any code of conduct for judges. The Dormaahene’s remarks were directed towards the exercise of discretion by the Attorney General, not the court.
The NDC views the actions of the Judicial Council as an attempt to victimize the Dormaahene, allegedly at the direction of President Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) regime. The NDC claims that the harassment is a continuation of coordinated attacks and disparaging remarks made against the Dormaahene by individuals within the NPP after he expressed his views.
The NDC emphasizes that the Dormaahene made the comments as a paramount chief and a custodian of culture, peace, unity, stability, and development. Chiefs in Ghana have the responsibility and right to speak on matters of public interest and call on duty bearers to act in a manner that ensures societal cohesion and development.
The NDC condemns the actions of the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council, viewing them as an attack on the revered chieftaincy institution and a potential erosion of public confidence in the judiciary. The NDC urges the Judicial Council to not allow itself to be used by the government to silence perceived critics and calls for respect for citizens’ right to free speech as guaranteed by the constitution.
The NDC also raises concerns about the disciplinary powers of the General Legal Council, which it claims has been used to harass lawyers affiliated with the NDC through frivolous disciplinary hearings. The NDC demands an immediate cessation of this alleged hostile posturing.
In conclusion, the NDC calls on the Judicial Council to reconsider its actions against the Dormaahene. The NDC warns that if the harassment and victimization continue, it will collaborate with other progressive forces and defenders of democracy to stage public protests against what it perceives as a creeping culture of judicial tyranny.
The NDC’s press statement highlights its concerns about the alleged persecution of the Dormaahene and calls for a respect for free speech and the rights of citizens in Ghana’s democratic society.