Comments On Quayson, Ato Forson And Others Are Beyond Free Speech – A-G Warns
The Office of the Attorney-General has expressed concerns over the escalating trend of individuals engaging in highly prejudicial commentary on ongoing court cases.
In a statement, the office highlighted several cases, including Republic vs. James Gyakye-Quayson, Republic vs. Dr. Stephen Opuni & 2 Others, and Republic vs. Cassiel Ato Forson & 2 Others, as examples of those subjected to unwarranted public commentary.
While acknowledging the right to freedom of expression, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame emphasized that recent comments on high-profile criminal cases have crossed the boundaries of acceptable free speech.
According to the A-G, the commentary undermines the vital work of state prosecutors in their mission to combat crime and puts undue pressure on the courts.
The A-G’s’ response comes on the back of a recent comment by Dormaahene Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, urging charges against Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson to be dropped.
Reiterating the principle of equality before the law enshrined in Article 17(1) of the Constitution, the Attorney-General reminded the public that no individual, regardless of citizenship or social status, is exempt from Ghana’s’ laws.
The press statement clarified that the decision to file charges against an accused person is based solely on the strength of the evidence, subject to the scrutiny of the courts.
“An acquittal of a person by the courts does not imply malice on the part of the Republic in the filing of a charge. The perception that a crime committed by a person of high political standing in society should not be prosecuted is dangerous for society and must not be countenanced.
“The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice observes that many of the recent comments by various persons on some criminal matters, particularly those mentioned above (widely publicized in the media), clearly exceed the bounds of acceptable speech as they seek to disparage prosecutors in the eyes of the public and frustrate prosecution of those cases,”the statement said.
Mr Dame stressed that some comments are orchestrated to pervert the course of justice and/or prejudice the fair hearing and determination of the cases.
Therefore, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice appealed to the general public to allow justice to flow freely without undue interference or pressure on the courts.
The statement added, “The Attorney-General finally cautions that no immunity is conferred by a person’s position in Parliament, the Judiciary, Traditional Authority, the Bar, or any official position, from the consequences of an interference in the administration of justice or an attempt to overreach a judgment to be delivered by the court in any matter. We must respect due process”.
The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice affirmed their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair and impartial judicial process in the country.