The Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Honourable Titus Glover has argued that every court order must be respected and urged public officials to avoid actions that undermine judicial authority in the matter involving the re-arrest of former National Buffer Stock Company Chief Executive Abdul Wahab Hanan.
Discussing the circumstances surrounding the case, Honourable Glover questioned allegations that Hanan attempted to withdraw money from an account that has been frozen. The Former Greater Accra Regional Minister contended that such a claim deserves credible proof, especially after a court granted permission for Hanan to travel.
In addition, Honourable Glover stated that the travel application was heard in open court where both the defence and prosecution presented their submissions before the judge delivered a ruling. He added that any information capable of influencing the decision ought to have been presented during those proceedings instead of emerging after the order has been granted.
He therefore argued that every party involved in the proceedings has an obligation to respect the decision until another court varies or sets it aside. The Counsel insisted that any different approach limits confidence in the country’s judicial processes.
“If a court has made a determination and given an order, the Attorney General cannot do otherwise. The law binds everyone equally, and no office stands above the authority of the courts.”
Honourable Nii Kwartei Titus Glover
Furthermore, Honourable Glover cited the case of “The Republic v High Court, Commercial Division, Accra, Ex Parte Attorney General (Balkan Case).” He explained that the Supreme Court affirmed that the Attorney General is subject to the same procedural rules governing every litigant before the courts.
Referring to the case, he noted that the decision illustrated that state institutions and public officers could face contempt proceedings if their conduct undermines pending judicial processes.
The Former Greater Accra Regional Minister therefore questioned suggestions that administrative instructions could override a valid court order. In his assessment, allowing such conduct would weaken constitutional safeguards established to protect citizens and public institutions alike.
Call For Justice And No Overriding Of Cases
The Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Honourable Titus Glover, argued that no public official possessed the authority to override a lawful court order, saying respect for judicial decisions remained essential to Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
Honourable Glover asserted that if prosecutors obtained fresh evidence after the court granted permission, the proper course would have been to return before the court for further directions. He added that any different approach risked creating uncertainty over the authority of judicial decisions.
“If a court of competent jurisdiction grants permission to travel, no public officer has the mandate to stop that person. The proper place to challenge the order remains the court.”
Honourable Glover
In addition, Honourable Glover argued that the judiciary alone possessed the constitutional mandate to determine legal disputes. He explained that any attempt by officers of the Executive to substitute their own decisions for those of the courts undermined the country’s constitutional framework.
The Former Greater Accra Regional Minister also questioned why issues surrounding the alleged attempt to withdraw funds did not feature prominently during the hearing of the travel application. He remarked that the prosecution has the opportunity to place every relevant fact before the judge before the ruling was delivered.
Accordingly, Honourable Glover stated that judicial orders remained binding unless they were varied, reviewed or overturned through recognised legal procedures. He added that every institution of state has a responsibility to uphold those principles in the interest of justice.
“The Constitution gives judicial power to the courts. When state officers assume those powers for themselves, they create a dangerous precedent that weakens public confidence.”
Honourable Nii Kwartei Titus Glover
Additionally, Honourable Glover criticised conduct that, in his assessment, encouraged disregard for constitutional safeguards. He argued that democratic governance depends upon each arm of government respecting the lawful responsibilities assigned to the other.
The Former Greater Accra Regional Minister further remarked that Ghana’s legal system provided adequate remedies whenever parties disagreed with a court decision. He therefore encouraged state institutions to pursue appeals, reviews or other recognised legal processes whenever necessary.
Subsequently, Honourable Glover urged public office holders to protect the integrity of the judiciary through strict compliance with court orders. He added that preserving respect for the rule of law is key to sustaining public trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
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