Citizen Eye Ghana, a civil society organisation, has petitioned the Chief Justice over what it describes as a growing disregard for Ghana’s Judiciary, with particular concern about the public conduct of lawyer Maurice Kwabena Ampaw.
In a petition addressed to the Chief Justice, the organisation called for the Ghana Legal Council and the Ghana Bar Association to invite and counsel Mr Ampaw over what it considers inappropriate comments about the Judiciary and the conduct of judges.
The organisation, which describes itself as having about 100,000 members across Ghana’s 16 regions and the diaspora, said the matter requires urgent attention to protect public confidence in the country’s judicial system.
According to Citizen Eye Ghana, the Judiciary remains “the last bastion of hope for the ordinary Ghanaian” and warned that continued public attacks against the institution could undermine its credibility and public trust if not addressed.
The group’s petition specifically takes issue with Mr Ampaw’s appearances on media platforms, where it alleges that he has made comments that question the basis of judicial decisions and undermine the reputation of judges.
Citizen Eye Ghana argued that while lawyers, like other citizens, have the right to criticise public institutions and hold political affiliations, such criticism should not, in its view, cross the boundaries of professional conduct or disrespect for the courts.
“It is high time the Ghana Legal Counsel, the Ghana Bar Association, and all relevant judicial bodies invited and counseled him to remind him that he is still an officer of the court,” the organisation stated.
It further questioned whether an ordinary citizen who made similar comments against the Judiciary would face contempt proceedings, arguing that the same standards should apply irrespective of a person’s professional or social status.
“If a lawyer does this and nothing is done, then the Judicial Service should know that any other citizen will do it, and they cannot be charged with contempt either because to do so would be seen as biased and selective justice,” the petition said.
To support its call for action, the organisation referred to the 2013 contempt proceedings involving then-NPP Deputy Communications Director Sammy Awuku and the late Justice William Atuguba.
Citizen Eye Ghana said Mr Awuku had made comments about the Judiciary during an interview on Peace FM, after which proceedings were initiated against him.
The organisation argued that the case demonstrated the need for the Judiciary to respond firmly when its integrity and authority are publicly challenged.
The petition also noted that the current Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, was a member of the nine-member panel involved in that earlier matter.
Citizen Eye Ghana therefore questioned why, in its view, a similar standard should not apply to Mr Ampaw, who is a lawyer and therefore expected to understand the professional obligations associated with being an officer of the court.
The organisation also raised concerns about Mr Ampaw’s media appearances beyond his comments concerning the Judiciary.
It alleged that his participation on Wontumi TV and Radio has involved attempts to “sabotage” the government and discourage potential investors in Ghana.
Citizen Eye Ghana described these alleged actions as going beyond professional misconduct and claimed that they could amount to economic sabotage and contribute to national instability.
However, the organisation did not provide specific evidence or identify particular statements or investment decisions to substantiate those claims in the petition.
Citizen Eye Ghana outlined three principal demands in its petition to the Chief Justice and other relevant institutions.
First, it called for the Ghana Legal Council and the Ghana Bar Association to formally invite Mr Ampaw for counselling and remind him of his ethical responsibilities as a lawyer and officer of the court.
Second, the organisation called for disbarment proceedings if, after such intervention, Mr Ampaw allegedly fails to change his conduct.
Third, it demanded consistency in the application of contempt and other rules governing respect for the Judiciary, insisting that lawyers should be subjected to the same standards applicable to ordinary citizens.
“The law must be no respecter of persons,” the organisation stated.
The petition was also copied to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, the President of the Ghana Bar Association, the Chairperson of the Judicial Council, the Chairperson of the General Legal Council and the National Media Commission.
Citizen Eye Ghana concluded by urging the Chief Justice to act swiftly, arguing that the reputation and integrity of the Judiciary must be protected.
“Maurice Ampaw should be called to order. The integrity of our judiciary is at stake,” the organisation stated.
It further argued that lawyers should not become “the chief destroyers” of an institution that provides legitimacy to their profession.
The petition represents Citizen Eye Ghana’s position and demands. Any determination of professional misconduct, contempt or other wrongdoing would depend on the appropriate legal or disciplinary processes and the evidence presented before the relevant bodies.
By 1960news.com
