The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has issued a statement in response to allegations of bribery leveled against a Supreme Court Judge.
The statement, signed by Anthony Forson Jnr and Yaw Acheampong Boafo, National President and National Secretary respectively, said “the bar finds the allegation offensive and distasteful. They incite hatred among the public with regard to the Judges, expose them to ridicule and put them into disrepute.”
“Such allegations with respect to the Judiciary undermine the integrity of and erode public confidence in the Justice delivery process, and may result in lawlessness” the statement continued.
The Ghana Bar Association therefore calls on Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, MP for Asawase Constituency who made the allegation “to substantiate the allegation or retract same and apologize to the Justices of the Supreme Court in particular, and the Judiciary in general.”
While stating that the 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, the GBA urges that “the freedom should be exercised with circumspection and should not be used to incite hatred or to subject the judiciary to ridicule and contempt.”
Reactions
However, since the issuing of the statement, some Ghanaians, including public office holders, have been reacting to same on social media, especially Facebook.
In a post, MP for Ningo Prampram, Samuel George wrote “Dear President Akufo-Addo, I thought you had banned all indoor Bars and Pubs from operating. See what this group of drunks have thrown into the public space. They have now found their voice. Bunch of silly hypocrites. If there’s any group of persons whose actions are nauseating and irritating, it is these ones.
Others like Yayra Koku Deku, said “ Kennedy Agyapong sat on live TV and insulted a judge and was even charged with contempt. As we speak now, we don’t know how the case has travelled. GBA did not issue a statement to condemn his actions. They were quiet because the leadership sees him as part of their political party.”
Foga Nukunu also commented saying “Ghana Bar Association ordering Muntaka MP to apologize. Because GBA brought themselves, NDC can now address them.
“I thought the president said all indoor bars and pubs remain closed?” Nii Sowa wrote.
“Someone should tell me this is fake news!!” Kofi Boamah Otokunor, NDC Deputy General Secretary said.
