A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Legal Team, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, has defended the Attorney-General’s decision to publicly explain ongoing prosecutions, saying there is nothing unlawful or unprecedented about the move.
Speaking on GBC’s Current Agenda, Mr. Samoa Addo said criticisms of the Attorney-General’s public statements on cases currently before court, including those involving Chairman Wontumi and others, were misplaced.
He argued that under Ghana’s legal framework, the Attorney-General has both the constitutional right and responsibility to inform the public about his actions, provided that due process is followed.
“This is not the first time an Attorney-General has announced the prosecution of accused persons and explained why those prosecutions are happening,” he said. “Dr. Ayine has done nothing new or wrong. He believes he has a case, he has filed the charges, and it is for the accused to come to court and defend themselves.”
The NDC lawyer advised that anyone who feels the Attorney-General’s public comments are prejudicial to their trial should use lawful means to challenge them in court. “If you believe that what the Attorney-General has said is prejudicial, the remedy is not to complain in the media,” Samoa Addo explained. “You raise it before the court by way of a motion, and the judge will determine whether the Attorney-General should be reprimanded or asked to recuse himself.”
He noted that the Constitution provides mechanisms for addressing alleged prosecutorial misconduct, including judicial oversight and motions to protect fair trial rights. “You can tell the court, ‘My Lord, the conduct of the prosecution, in my opinion, is prejudicial to the fair trial of this case,’ and the court will take a decision,” he said.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
