Ayikoi Otoo Condemns Kan-Dapaah's Comment: Perceived Judicial Bias Statement In Poor Taste
- Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada, Ayikoi Otoo, has criticised a recent comment by National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah
- Mr Kan-Dapaah had said that a rife perception that the judiciary was biased posed a threat to national security
- But Mr Ayikoi Otoo said the comments by the Minister suggest the judiciary should decide on matters based on the political environment
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Ghana's current High Commissioner to Canada, Ayikoi Otoo, has strongly condemned National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah, for saying perceived judicial bias poses a threat to national security.
According to the lawyer, the National Security Minister suggests that the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, should decide on cases based on the political environment.
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"I am sorry to say that I don't think that [Kan-Dapaah] sought legal advice [before making the statement].
"The judges have taken an oath to do justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour, ill-will or affection," he told Joy News on Monday, April 12, 2022.
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The National Security Minister warned last week that the perception that the judiciary is biased threatens national security.
Speaking at a forum for judges of the superior courts, the Minister said aggrieved Ghanaians would be compelled to become violent if the perception of a biased bench persists.
The comment by the National Security Minister comes on the back of claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, that the judiciary is biased against the party.
While Mr Kan-Dapaah has been praised for boldly pointing out a national security threat, Mr Ayikoi Otoo said the comments by the Minister are unfortunate.
"Are you saying that when somebody brings a case which is bad, the Supreme Court should favour that person merely because every time ruling for you will make people feel that there is something wrong?
"You expect the Supreme Court playing politics to be saying 'I have ruled five cases in favour of the NPP, so I will rule in favour of the NDC too.' It doesn't work that way. Either you have a case, or you don't have a case," Mr Ayikoi Otoo criticised his colleague government appointee.
He said perceptions of a biased judiciary are not new, suggesting that the Minister's claim that they pose a threat to national security is far-fetched.
Mahama Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling On Deputy Speakers’ Vote: "Shocking But Not Surprising"
Former President John Dramani Mahama joined growing critics of a ruling on March 9, 2022, by the Supreme Court that deputy speakers presiding in Parliament do not lose their votes.
The ruling last month means that a deputy speaker, while presiding over proceedings in Parliament, has the right to vote on matters and be counted as part of the quorum for decision-making in the House.
The seven-member Supreme Court bench ruled unanimously that upon a true and proper interpretation of the relevant parts of the 1992 Constitution, a deputy speaker who takes up the role of Speaker of Parliament temporarily has the right to take part in decisions.
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