Judicial Scandal: CJ Dismisses allegations Against Justice Asiedu

The Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood has dismissed the bribery allegation petition by Tiger Eye PI against Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu.

A statement signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Alex B. Poku-Acheampong said the allegation against Justice Asiedu was dropped because the evidence provided by Tiger Eye PI was 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).

Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood
Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood Picture Credit Graphic 

It said Justice Asiedu was elevated to the High Court on April 1, this year. This was at a time when the appointing authorities were not privy to the alleged acts of misconduct or wrongdoings brought against him and 21 Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates who have been referred to the Chief Justice to be dealt with in accordance with Article 151 of the 1992 Constitution by Tiger Eye PI for alleged stated misbehaviour.

It further explained that, in view of his position as a High Court Judge, the petition against him was subsequently forwarded to His Excellency the President in accordance with article 146 of the 1992 Constitution since articles 148 and 151 were no longer applicable to him following his elevation.

“His Excellency the President, in a letter dated 23rd September, 2015, requested the Chief Justice to handle the petition under article 146 and determine whether or not there was a Prima Facie case against His Lordship Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu as per article 146(3),” the statement said.

According to the statement, the Chief Justice upon her determination concluded that the evidence provided by Tiger Eye PI in support of the allegations against Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu was inadequate and so failed to meet the constitutional Prima Facie threshold.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice, in accordance with a decision of the Judicial Council has constituted a second committee to investigate the matter of alleged corruption against three of the Judges in line with Article 146(4).

According to the statement, the aim of setting up of the new committee is to expedite investigations into the alleged stated misconduct by the High Court Judges.

The five-member Committee comprises a Justice of the Supreme Court who is the Chairperson with two Justices of the Court of Appeal appointed by the Judicial Council and two other persons appointed on the advice of the Council of State, who are neither members of the Council of State, nor members of Parliament, nor lawyers.

– See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/52342-judicial-scandal-cj-dismisses-allegations-against-justice-asiedu-sets-up-new-committee.html#sthash.AR0JUs5Q.dpuf

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