‘Embarrassed’ MP accuses Chief Justice of partisanship

Member of Parliament for Sefwi Juaboso Constituency in Western Region Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says he felt “embarrassed” and “disrespected” by the manner in which the Chief Justice dispensed justice on the case he and one other MP brought against the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba.

According to him, he felt Her Ladyship Sophia Akuffo was doing the bidding of the ruling government and gave her judgement because he is an MP of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Chief Justice last Tuesday threw out a suit brought before the Supreme Court by two MPs – Ernest Norgbey of Ashaiman Constituency and Mr Akandoh – praying for the removal of Ms Djaba as Minister for failing to have undertaken the mandatory National Service.

Aside dismissing the suit as a result of the lack of license by the lawyer of the plaintiffs, the Chief Justice, who presided over the seven-member panel, questioned the use of ‘Honourable’ by lawmakers in court.

She said MPs must desist from using the title in public. But speaking on Accra-based Onua 95.1 FM on Friday, Sefwi Juaboso MP Akandoh said the Chief Justice acted like a dictator in handling the case.

“I am praying that we should not get to a point where we will experience the dictatorship of the judiciary,” he said in a mixed language of Twi and English.

According to him, Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo could have handled the case differently and not descend heavily on them as plaintiffs.

“I am tempted to believe that she did that because I am NDC.” Mr Akandoh cited how the Chief Justice demanded the same ‘Honourable’ title for Ms Djaba – initially thinking she was also an MP – insisting that she was clearly favouring the New Patriotic Party (NPP) minister. He said inasmuch as he cannot question the judgement of the Court but only appeal it – which he hinted will be very soon – the manner the judge handled the case is what he is worried about. “I feel embarrassed. I feel disrespected and my constituents feel same.”