During the demonstration held on the morning of October 8, 2024, the MP for Ningo-Prampram, Hon. Sam George one of the key proponents of Ghana’s Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, took a bold stance, calling for the Chief Justice to be held accountable for what he described as the selective dispensation of justice.
Addressing the public and media on the demonstration grounds, Hon. Sam George laid out his grievances against the Chief Justice, accusing her of abusing her power and failing to uphold the principles of impartiality in the judiciary.
Opening his statement, Sam George expressed deep concerns about the Chief Justice’s selective handling of cases, particularly those involving the government.
According to the MP, this perceived bias has compromised the fairness of Ghana’s judicial system. He did not hold back in his demand for the Chief Justice to take immediate corrective action. He noted; “We’re simply here to ask the Chief Justice to stop being selective in the dispensation of justice.”
He further emphasized the constitutional provisions that the Chief Justice had allegedly violated. He noted; “She’s using her power capriciously and maliciously, and that has been warned and prevented in Article 296 of the Constitution.”
Accusations of Bias
Hon. Sam George pointed to specific instances where he believed the Chief Justice had acted with undue haste in favor of the government while delaying cases involving the people.
He cited the Chief Justice’s handling of the election petition and an injunction case related to exemptions for certain plaintiffs. According to him, the Chief Justice showed significant bias in her actions.
“The way she behaved in the case involving the election petition, the way they behaved in the case involving the exemptions, where [the] lawyer for the plaintiffs filed their case in the morning, by afternoon she had given a hearing notice.”
Hon. Sam George Member of P arliament for Ningo-Prampram
He contrasted this with the slow progress of cases brought by ordinary citizens.
“So why is the Chief Justice showing expedition when it comes to things for the government? And when it comes to things for the people, the Chief Justice is dragging her feet.”
Hon. Sam George Member of P arliament for Ningo-Prampram
Criticism of Judicial Process
In a particularly scathing remark, Sam George accused the Chief Justice of obstructing justice rather than facilitating it.
“In fact, people say justice is slow, the wheels of justice grind slow. In this instance, the wheels of justice are not grinding. The Chief Justice has become an impediment in the wheels of justice.”
Hon. Sam George Member of P arliament for Ningo-Prampram
He continued, urging the Chief Justice to either correct her course or face consequences. He noted; “She either takes herself out and allows justice to be done, or the people of Ghana will take her out.”
A Deliberate Delay?
Hon. Sam George reiterated his belief that the Chief Justice was deliberately delaying certain cases, a point that he claimed was supported by her actions and behavior. He accused her of not living up to the expectations of her office and actively undermining the judicial process.
“That is my fervent belief, and that is evidenced by her actions and behavior,” he said, doubling down on his accusations.
When asked whether the demonstration was directly against the Chief Justice, Sam George was unequivocal in his response. He confirmed that the demonstration was indeed targeted at the Chief Justice.
“We will also serve the Attorney General. Since the Chief Justice is chucking the Attorney General, we will serve the Attorney General.”
Hon. Sam George Member of P arliament for Ningo-Prampram
However, Hon. Sam George made it clear that the ultimate responsibility rested with the Chief Justice.
Despite the gravity of his accusations, Hon. Sam George and his fellow demonstrators were prepared for the possibility that their protest might not yield immediate results.
“We would compel them. We will continue to raise the heat,” Sam George declared, undeterred by the potential for resistance from the judiciary.
“Already, the judicial service has become a media entity or engaging in press conferences. In the last three weeks, they’ve done two press conferences and issued two press statements.”
Hon. Sam George Member of P arliament for Ningo-Prampram
A Call for the Chief Justice to Resign
Hon. Sam George concluded his remarks by issuing a strong ultimatum to the Chief Justice.
He urged her to either fulfill the responsibilities of her office or step aside to allow someone else to do so. His message was clear: the people of Ghana would no longer tolerate what he described as the Chief Justice’s dereliction of duty.
“She must either do her job or, if she’s unwilling to do her job, she should honorably vacate the office for someone who is willing to do their job.”
Hon. Sam George Member of P arliament for Ningo-Prampram
The demonstration led by Sam George highlighted growing frustrations with the judiciary, particularly the Chief Justice. He emphasized; “The Chief Justice has no option. She should stop calling people and trying to get people to get into meetings to stop this. It will happen.”
His call for impartiality and fairness in the judicial system reflects broader concerns among the Ghanaian public about the administration of justice. With his bold accusations and unwavering stance, Hon. Sam George made it clear that this was not the end of the struggle for judicial accountability.
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