Samuel Atta Akyea, lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has alleged that judges handling politically sensitive cases are expediting proceedings in a way that suggests they are catering to the expectations of Jubilee House, Ghana’s seat of government.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile monitored by this platform, the former Abuakwa South MP claimed there is an unusual urgency in the prosecution of political cases compared to other matters before the courts. “There seems to be an indecent haste to prosecute what I call political cases,” Atta Akyea remarked.
He argued that, typically, judges allow cases to progress at a measured pace, often granting lengthy adjournments in both civil and criminal matters. However, he said politically related cases are increasingly being treated as exceptions, with courts prioritizing continuous hearings and accelerated proceedings.
Atta Akyea contrasted this with civil disputes such as land cases, where litigants often endure prolonged delays before their matters are resolved. He questioned why the judiciary appears to devote greater attention and urgency to political criminal cases than to other matters on its docket, stating this has created a perception of “ambulance trials” for politically exposed persons.
“There is a good grounding for the position that I think the judges are in an ambulance mood to jail people,” he asserted. Atta Akyea cautioned that the administration of justice should not be influenced by political expectations or electoral timelines, emphasizing that the courts must remain impartial and independent.
He also criticized the handling of constitutional issues raised in proceedings involving his client, alleging that the trial judge failed to give adequate consideration to an application seeking to refer constitutional questions to the Supreme Court before continuing with the trial. According to Atta Akyea, the court seemed determined to proceed without allowing the constitutional issues to be fully addressed, raising concerns about fairness and due process.
“A court of competent jurisdiction wouldn’t want to care about the fact that, ‘How many people can we jail so they will say that we are politically consequential?’ No, that is not justice delivery,” he stressed.
Atta Akyea maintained that the judiciary must ensure all cases, regardless of their political nature, are handled fairly and without any perception of external influence. The judiciary has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com