Chief Justice dismisses Anas’ petition against judge

Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood has dismissed a petition filed by tigereyepi against Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, the Chief Justice adduced that the decision was reached after the “evidence provided by tigereyepi in support of the allegations against the said judge is not sufficient to meet the prima facie test either in relation to the allegation of bribery or ex-parte communication between the judge and the petitioner on a judicial matter pending before him, contrary to the Code of Conduct for judges and magistrates of Ghana (CCJMG)”.

The statement signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Alexander Poku-Acheampong, explained that Justice Asiedu was among 22 circuit court judges and magistrates cited in the petition submitted by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas to the Chief Justice.

But he was elevated to the High Court in April, when appointing authorities were not privy to the allegations of misconduct, the statement pointed out.

Therefore, the Chief Justice forwarded Anas’ petition against Justice Asiedu to President John Dramani Mahama, who on Wednesday, September 23 requested the Chief Justice to handle the petition under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

“The Chief Justice upon her determination concluded that the evidence provided by tigereyepi in support of the allegations against Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu is inadequate and so fails to meet the constitutional prima facie threshold.”

Already, seven of the high court judges have been suspended while the circuit court judges are facing a disciplinary committee over the allegations.

Over 180 judicial staff are also facing investigations over the allegations.

Source: editors.3news.com|Ghana