NDC and NPP noisemaking gimmicks will have no effect on the ambulance trial – Lawyer

Tweneboah Koduah, a private legal practitioner, has condemned the two press conferences held by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the ongoing ambulance trial as "much ado about nothing."

He stated that the two political entities are not parties to the case; hence, their commentaries will have no bearing on the court proceedings.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the NDC called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of Godfred Yeboah Dame and his subsequent prosecution over alleged evidence fabrication and manipulation of the judiciary.

The party also urged the General Legal Council to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him and to disbar him as a lawyer, citing misconduct.

In response, the NPP described the call for his removal as unwarranted, asserting that the tape played by the NDC at the press conference was doctored and contained nothing damaging.

Reacting to these events in an interview on "Nyankonton Mu Nsem" on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Kodua explained that no law prevents commentary on an ongoing case before a competent court of jurisdiction, provided the commentary is not prejudicial.

"When there is a case before a court, no law stops you from commenting on it. However, it is necessary to avoid making statements that will prejudice the matter or undermine the court. That's why it's important for people to exercise restraint and allow the court to handle the matter before making any commentary," he said.

Koduah criticized the actions of the two political parties, emphasizing that the case is being decided in a court of law and that the press conferences will not influence the outcome.

"You can organize more than ten conferences; it will have no effect on the ongoing court case. If these parties truly have the country's interest at heart and understand what it means to promote democracy, then they should respect the court and allow the case to be adjudicated," he added.

He further stated that the parties should be patient and refrain from their current actions, as the judge presiding over the matter will deliver the final judgment.

"The Attorney General does not have the authority to make a final decision on the matter. He can only prosecute the case and let the judge rule. The NDC and NPP are not on trial and have no connection to the case.

"The state has closed its case, and the accused have responded. The case will soon be decided, with the ultimate judgment handed down. Therefore, the commentary by these parties is irrelevant to the case and can be described as noise. As long as what they say does not undermine the court or prejudice the case, they are free to express it," he concluded.