You mention "civil society and traditional rulers"
We'd also add lawyers and the Ghana Bar Association. But then again, maybe we do not stand a chance here. After all, a former president of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam O ... read full comment
You mention "civil society and traditional rulers"
We'd also add lawyers and the Ghana Bar Association. But then again, maybe we do not stand a chance here. After all, a former president of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okuzeto, is on the other side laughing, saying he is very happy Ken Kuranchie, a member of the press, has been arrested, judged guilty, and sentenced by the same judge.
Not Ghana-centered, from our vantage point.
Kobena 10 years ago
The GBA needs to clean its own house instead of supporting what seems patently unfair even under Ghanaian traditional laws. When a citizen insults or does something wrong agianst 'odikro' or the village chief, a 'summons' is ... read full comment
The GBA needs to clean its own house instead of supporting what seems patently unfair even under Ghanaian traditional laws. When a citizen insults or does something wrong agianst 'odikro' or the village chief, a 'summons' is served on the individual from one of the sub-chiefs or the "Council of Elders." Who then sit to adjudicate between the chief and the offender, before puishment is meted out, if necessary. The chief does not constitute himself into judge and policeman, which is what the Supreme Court judges did in this case.
GBA members at the A-G's Department or in private practice helped foreign and local crooks fleece Ghana of billions in dubious judgement debt payments. Some of their members have misbehaved in the courtroom in the course of this hearing and have not been sanctioned. That is what Ken Kuranchie meant by their hypoccrisy and I believe he could heave used those instances for his defence if he had appeared before and independent judge. That is what makes this whole thing most unfair and dangerous.
Nana Aba 10 years ago
Indeed Sam Okudzeto's comments were most unhelpful coming from a former president of GBA. We all know that due process is there for a reason to ensure that persons accused of a crime get a fair trial. For a judges to use ju ... read full comment
Indeed Sam Okudzeto's comments were most unhelpful coming from a former president of GBA. We all know that due process is there for a reason to ensure that persons accused of a crime get a fair trial. For a judges to use judicial power to sidestep the process in order to pass judgement having already made up their minds over the persons guilt is wrong goes against every principle of fairness and justice. The outcome may have been the same if the matter had gone before another judge having allowed due process to take place with proper representation for the Defendant, but i guess we'll never know that now...thanks to power drunk 9justices of the SC!
OBURONIBA FITAFITA 10 years ago
I am very confused over the assertion that an individual's distasteful comments are deemed contemptuous even when such comments were made outside the court.
Every crime must have an alement of intent to harm. In Ken's cas ... read full comment
I am very confused over the assertion that an individual's distasteful comments are deemed contemptuous even when such comments were made outside the court.
Every crime must have an alement of intent to harm. In Ken's case, I hardly find that element.
Moreover the justices should have deffered the case to the AG to avoid conflict of interest. How could they accuse an individual, bring him to court and themselves trial him ? That forms the scary part of it, not the substance.
Kofi UK 10 years ago
This is a disgrace to free speech. These judges should realize that they are enjoying this freedom because of democracy and freedom of speech. Where were they when such freedom was denied under Rawlings. This is clear dictato ... read full comment
This is a disgrace to free speech. These judges should realize that they are enjoying this freedom because of democracy and freedom of speech. Where were they when such freedom was denied under Rawlings. This is clear dictatorship and abuse of power.
KENNY A 10 years ago
ASKING FOR A "MARTIN AMIDU OF THE NPP" IS LIKE LOOKING FOR A ONE-INCH LONG PIN IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE NPP, LIKE THE NLM, IS TO SEPARATE ASHANTI FROM THE REST OF GHANA BY FIRST LOOTING GHANA'S RESO ... read full comment
ASKING FOR A "MARTIN AMIDU OF THE NPP" IS LIKE LOOKING FOR A ONE-INCH LONG PIN IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE NPP, LIKE THE NLM, IS TO SEPARATE ASHANTI FROM THE REST OF GHANA BY FIRST LOOTING GHANA'S RESOURCES TO ENRICH AND EMPOWER ASHANTIS AND AKYEMS IN GHANA.
THEY WILL THEN GO AHEAD WITH THEIR SEPARATIST AGENDA.
THE VERY NATURE OF JOHN AGYEKUM "KRONFUOR" KUFUOR'S OIL EXPLORATION AND DRILLING DEALS BY IMPOSING THE EO GROUP ON THE SHARE STRUCTURE WAS TO ENSURE THE LONG-TERM SECURITY OF THE ASHANTI "CUT" IN GHANA'S OIL.
GOD, THEY SAY, IS NOT AN "ALATA" MAN.
GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS.
KENNY A 10 years ago
KUFUOR IS A VERY WICKED AND SELFISH MAN.
GHANAIANS MUST WATCH THAT MAN.
KUFUOR IS A VERY WICKED AND SELFISH MAN.
GHANAIANS MUST WATCH THAT MAN.
Mike 10 years ago
The issue is not about Kuffour. I am afraid you have deviated from the core issue, so you may come again.
The issue is not about Kuffour. I am afraid you have deviated from the core issue, so you may come again.
SUMBRUNGU 10 years ago
Please read our constitution carefully and you'll understand that the supreme court can suo motu hear and punish contemnors. The court may also refer the matter to the AG but that is only another avenue available to it. What ... read full comment
Please read our constitution carefully and you'll understand that the supreme court can suo motu hear and punish contemnors. The court may also refer the matter to the AG but that is only another avenue available to it. What the SC did in respect of Kuranchie was both legally and procedurally correct.
Nana Aba 10 years ago
No one is denying the SC's inherent right to hear cases in contempt or to punish contemnors! There is a clear distinction where actions constitute contempt in a court room and those that affect matters out of the court room. ... read full comment
No one is denying the SC's inherent right to hear cases in contempt or to punish contemnors! There is a clear distinction where actions constitute contempt in a court room and those that affect matters out of the court room. Otherwise, we might as well all give up every iota of freedom we have left. As lawyers do we not criticise judgements every day in our line of work? Can a judge haul me into his court for giving an opinion on a ruling he made if I consider that he erred in his opinion? Will he drag me into his court room and ask me to apologise or else find me in contempt? This is a very bad precedent and a danger to the freedoms we so cherish! If any lawyer cannot see the danger this poses for the freedom of speech he is merely being obtuse in his observations! We should know better!
You mention "civil society and traditional rulers"
We'd also add lawyers and the Ghana Bar Association. But then again, maybe we do not stand a chance here. After all, a former president of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam O ...
read full comment
The GBA needs to clean its own house instead of supporting what seems patently unfair even under Ghanaian traditional laws. When a citizen insults or does something wrong agianst 'odikro' or the village chief, a 'summons' is ...
read full comment
Indeed Sam Okudzeto's comments were most unhelpful coming from a former president of GBA. We all know that due process is there for a reason to ensure that persons accused of a crime get a fair trial. For a judges to use ju ...
read full comment
I am very confused over the assertion that an individual's distasteful comments are deemed contemptuous even when such comments were made outside the court.
Every crime must have an alement of intent to harm. In Ken's cas ...
read full comment
This is a disgrace to free speech. These judges should realize that they are enjoying this freedom because of democracy and freedom of speech. Where were they when such freedom was denied under Rawlings. This is clear dictato ...
read full comment
ASKING FOR A "MARTIN AMIDU OF THE NPP" IS LIKE LOOKING FOR A ONE-INCH LONG PIN IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE NPP, LIKE THE NLM, IS TO SEPARATE ASHANTI FROM THE REST OF GHANA BY FIRST LOOTING GHANA'S RESO ...
read full comment
KUFUOR IS A VERY WICKED AND SELFISH MAN.
GHANAIANS MUST WATCH THAT MAN.
The issue is not about Kuffour. I am afraid you have deviated from the core issue, so you may come again.
Please read our constitution carefully and you'll understand that the supreme court can suo motu hear and punish contemnors. The court may also refer the matter to the AG but that is only another avenue available to it. What ...
read full comment
No one is denying the SC's inherent right to hear cases in contempt or to punish contemnors! There is a clear distinction where actions constitute contempt in a court room and those that affect matters out of the court room. ...
read full comment