Ernest Owusu-Bempah, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) deputy communications Director, has stated that the Dormaahene is unqualified to continue serving as a High Court judge.
This comes after the traditional chief’s remarks regarding the trial of James Gyakye Quayson, a member of parliament for Assin North. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu, a High Court Judge who spoke at the 10th anniversary lecture of John Evans Atta Mills in Sunyani, urged the President to halt the Gyakye Quayson trial, if he had any involvement in it. He also urged the Attorney General to submit a nolle porssequi.
In response, Mr. Owusu Bempah said that anyone who has been following political events would agree that Justice Daniel Mensah, also known as Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II in the judiciary, has become more and more of a “legalistic albino and a pawn in the hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).”
“As a matter of fact, I almost threw up listening to his politically incorrect rants and open insults on the judiciary; the same institution that he belongs to. I was particularly taken aback by his intemperate language, overt threat on the state, and his nerves for daring the Supreme Court.
“What exactly was Justice Daniel Mensah driving at when he spouted that tosh to the effect that President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney-General must discontinue the Gyakye Quayson criminal trial? For a man of his calibre who wants to be seen as a fair-minded jurist, to request for the state to abandon its criminal case against Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson speaks volumes. Yes! Justice Daniel Mensah appears more as a political actor than a judge, and it is evident in his slandering commentary on the Gyakye Quayson criminal trial.”
Ernest Owusu-Bempah
The NPP Deputy Communications Director highlighted that the public must respect court rulings in order for it to be upheld by officials and that the courts are the cornerstones of the constitution and laws. But it was obvious that he believed Justice Daniel Mensah was unable to comprehend that the independence of the judiciary is the foundation of democracy.
He said it was a great shame and disappointment to watch people with influence, running around indulging in such obscene politics. He further stated that if Justice Daniel Mensah had been guided by his responsibility as a judge to the public, he would have done the right thing by abstaining from interfering in court cases rather than burying his head in the sand and letting partisanship have the upper hand.
“Truly, a healthy democracy needs opposing views to be represented so that policies can be proposed and debated. The New Patriotic Party(NPP) is all for having an adult conversation about the politics of the day but then, we can’t tolerate the erosion of public discourse to such low level. This is certainly not about the politics of the day, neither is it about proffering an opinion. It is about respect for the judiciary and responsibility towards same.
“In any case, the 1992 Constitution as enshrined in Article 276 has injuncted chiefs from partisan politics. Section (1) of Article 276 states: A chief shall not take part in active party politics; and any chief wishing to do so shall abdicate his stool or skin. So why is Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II putting on the NDC jersey even at the peril of his position as a high court judge?”
Ernest Owusu-Bempah
NPP Aware Of Profit Gained From Propaganda
Owusu-Bempah added that the NPP is cognizant of the fact that some well-connected “parasites” who are amenable to constructing and running propaganda apparatus for the opposition NDC have made a lot of money.
He asserted that it would be preferable for these people to stick to their chosen professions, vote however they see fit, and let the informed public decide on the political course they want to take based on facts, not propaganda, and not by being intimidated into doing so by paid activists.
“Shakespeare in King Lear observed the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane and a proscribed crux of political machinations.”
Ernest Owusu-Bempah
Sadly, Justice Daniel Mensah, according to Owusu-Bempah, is beginning to exemplify the Shakespearean King in every aspect of his life. He claimed that many of the people who traveled the same path as Justice Daniel Mensah, were also destroyed by their public political opinions.
“Ohene tufo antie nna y3de nno to Krotia mma 3mmaa twe Nsuo gu no so…He must must watch it,” he stated.
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