US-based Ghanaian lawyer and scholar, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, known popularly as Kwaku Azar, has expressed his opinion on the recent comments made by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo regarding the absence of the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson from court proceedings.
In a Facebook post, Kwaku Azar wrote a statement in Twi, which translates to "hatred has now medicine. Yaanom say Quayson is not treating them properly by being absent. 'Otan nni aduro'", which loosely means that the treatment of someone with hatred will ultimately have consequences, and that Quayson is being accused of not treating the court properly by being absent.
The Chief Justice had expressed her displeasure over Quayson's continued absence from court proceedings, describing it as irregular. Speaking to the MP's lawyers during a Supreme Court sitting that dismissed another application to halt the daily proceedings of Quayson's case, the CJ stated that he was not treating the court properly by engaging with it and then refusing to appear.
According to a report by Laud Adu-Asare on 3news.com, the CJ further advised the lawyers of the Assin North MP to discourage such an attitude going forward. She emphasized that when asking the court to exercise discretion, it is important to treat the court properly.
The lawyers for James Gyakye Quayson had argued that the High Court had refused their request for prosecutors to be compelled to provide certain documents they had failed to disclose during the trial. However, the 5-member panel of the Supreme Court dismissed the application.
The case involving James Gyakye Quayson has been a contentious issue in Ghanaian politics, with the MP facing allegations of holding dual citizenship at the time of his election. The Constitution of Ghana prohibits dual citizenship for Members of Parliament, and the case has been ongoing since his election in 2020.
Kwaku Azar's comments on the matter highlight the growing concern over the handling of the case, and the need for due process to be followed. The continued absence of the MP from court proceedings has raised questions about his commitment to the case, and the possible implications for his political career.
In conclusion, the comments made by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo regarding the absence of James Gyakye Quayson from court proceedings have attracted criticism from Kwaku Azar and others. The ongoing case highlights the importance of due process in Ghanaian politics, and the need for MPs to adhere to the constitutional requirements for holding public office.
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