- Alexander Afenyo-Markin stressed that the judiciary should be respected
- Afenyo-Markin joined the Minority in celebrating the Court of Appeal's favorable ruling for Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
- The Attorney-General’s Office has announced its intention to appeal the Court of Appeal's decision
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the opposition to refrain from branding the judiciary as politically biased or under executive control when court rulings are unfavorable to them.
He emphasized that the judiciary must be upheld with respect, regardless of whether its decisions align with one’s personal or political interests.
Afenyo-Markin made these comments while joining the Minority in celebrating the Court of Appeal’s ruling in favor of their leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in the ambulance case.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on July 30, he asserted, “Mr. Speaker, it is crucial that we never suggest that the judiciary is under the executive’s influence. Both Honourable Haruna Iddrisu and I, as courtroom practitioners, were taught to accept court decisions and seek higher review if necessary. This process enriches our legal system.”
He continued, urging the opposition not to use this victory as a platform to attack the Attorney-General, who was not present in the debate.
He acknowledged the significance of the victory for democracy, offering a symbolic toast with non-alcoholic beverages, in recognition of Dr. Forson’s adherence to judicial principles.
Earlier, Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu had criticized Attorney-General Godfred Dame for considering an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s acquittal and discharge of the accused. He praised the Court of Appeal’s decision as both courageous and independent.
The Attorney-General’s Office has announced plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the Court of Appeal’s decision undermines public accountability and the fight against corruption. They claim the acquittal disregards substantial evidence presented during the trial and fails to address the alleged misuse of funds.
The High Court had previously directed Dr. Forson and his co-accused to present their defense after the Attorney-General’s Office established a prima facie case against them.
However, the Court of Appeal’s recent decision overturned this, finding insufficient evidence to justify further proceedings.
