Endorsing a candidate: Judges should know better – Kwaku Azar

A US-based lawyer and professor of accounting Stephen Asare (Kwaku Azar) has expressed shock that a Judge of the Superior court has publicly endorsed a candidate for political office in violation of the judicial code of conduct.

His comment comes after Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga, who is sitting on the case involving the former Ghana Cocoa Board boss, Dr Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, sparked social media rage over his declaration of support for President Akufo-Addo, during his tour of the Oti and Volta regions.

The Court of Appeal judge, who is presiding over the case as additional High Court Judge, had declared support for President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in his capacity as the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area, Torgbui Ashui Nyagasi V.

Reacting to this development in a Facebook post, Prof Asare noted that: “Of course, we do not take our laws and codes seriously but judges should do a little better.”

His full post read: “I was utterly surprised to read that a Judge of the Superior court has publicly endorsed a candidate for political office in clear violation of the judicial code of conduct. Of course, we do not take our laws and codes seriously but judges should do a little better. 128/1820 is a bona fide scam and sham. Da Yie!”

The state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper, quoted Justice Honyenuga as calling on Ghanaians to give President Akufo-Addo, another term to implement his vision for the country.

“We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours, it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years,” he stated.

Justice Honyenuga, who made the call at a durbar of chiefs and people of Nyagbo to welcome the President, as part of his three-day tour of the Volta and Oti regions, also implored the President to ensure that the forthcoming elections on December 7, 2020, were peaceful.