Review all cases handled by accused judges – Dr Aning

Head of Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center Dr Emmanuel Kwesi Aning is calling for a review of all cases handled by the judges implicated in the recent exposé by ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Twenty-two justices of the lower courts and 12 of the high courts together with over 100 court officials were captured in the exposé – to be premiered on September 22 – engaging in underhand deals that compromise the delivery of justice in Ghana.

The 22 circuit court judges have been suspended while the high court judges have been given 48 hours to respond to allegations in a petition submitted to President John Dramani Mahama by the journalist through the Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood.

Speaking on the issue – which appears to have rattled the judiciary to the core – Dr Aning said the president and the chief justice must come out with a statement on the way forward.

“It is contingent upon those who have seen the video and her lordship the chief justice and the president to quickly come out with a set of statements about the way forward.”

He demanded a recall of all the cases handled by the accused judges – who may have been in service for at least 10 years he surmises – for review at the full expense of the state.

“Every single case that has passed through the hands of these individuals must be recalled, the state must pay for the cases to be reexamined and for those who feel they need redress for compensation to be paid quickly.”

‘World class journalism’

He commended Anas for his recent work, saying it needs to be celebrated.

“I think we need to celebrate world class journalism because what Anas has done is almost incomparable. I doff my hat to Anas and his team.”

Dr Aning was speaking on TV3's Hot Issues to be aired on Saturday, September 12 at midday.