The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has been urged by Ebenezer Nartey, a former Ablekuma Central Member of Parliament (MP), to retract his remarks in the ongoing trial of Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson.
According to Mr. Nartey, the apology must be given to the residents of Dormaa and all Ghanaians because it harms the reputation of the chief who also serves as a High Court.
Speaking at John Evans Atta Mills’ 10th anniversary lecture in Sunyani, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu, also known as His Lordship, Justice Daniel Mensah, said that pursuing the case would not in any way advance the development of the nation.
“As a matter of urgency, I am appealing to the President of the Republic, Attorney General if he has any role to play, that the trial should be aborted,” he appealed.
He once more expressed his concern regarding the Supreme Court’s decision that led to Mr. Quayson’s expulsion from the House of Representatives.
The Dormaahene made it clear that if he had been a member of the panel making the decision, he would have adopted a different stance.
However, his remark did not sit well with some Ghanaians, who harshly criticized it and demanded his dismissal.
Sam Okudzeto, a former president of the Ghana Bar Association and member of the Council of State, who has called for the judge’s immediate dismissal, has also advised the public to take up the issue and file a complaint with the appropriate body in order to keep those in positions of authority in check.
However, Mr. Nartey said on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem that the calls weren’t necessary because they wouldn’t change what had already been said.
“I wouldn’t have had any problem if he spoke just as a chief but as a lawyer, it is quite prejudicial and can influence the outcome of the matter but his removal wouldn’t change anything because it will not cure commentary on cases in court.
“Instead, he should come back and apologise to the legal institution to which he belongs, the people of Dormaa and also Ghanaians because the comments were unfortunate as someone who stands a chance in the Supreme Court,” he said.
