Kan-Dapaah’s comment on judiciary was misinterpreted, says Okudzeto
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop on the national security strategy for judges, Kan-Dapaah cautioned that the perception that the judiciary is biased has dire consequences on the country’s security
Renowned Ghanaian lawyer, Sam Okudzeto has said that recent remarks by the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah in relation to the judiciary have been completely taken out of context.
In his defence, Okudzeto said critics, especially intellectuals must pay critical attention and understand what the minister said before crucifying him.
Speaking to Asaase Radio’s Beatrice Adu on The Big Bulletin show, Okudzeto said: “I think it’s quite clear [that he has been misinterpreted] listening to the audio as I have done now. To tell you the truth, not all of us have time now and the patience to programmes like this and listen to it.
“But the job he’s doing is very sensitive and that is the reason why it is important for all of us who claim to be intellectuals to take our time and listen carefully to what the man has said before we jump holding his throat.”
Listen to Okudzeto in the attached audio below:
Background
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop on the national security strategy for judges of the superior courts, Kan-Dapaah cautioned that the perception that the judiciary is biased has dire consequences on the country’s security.
According to him, if this is not checked, it will force the citizenry to take the law into their own hands for personal satisfaction with the bench deemed prejudiced.
“Injustice occasioned as a result of the absence of an effective justice delivery system or delayed justice or biased justice is certainly a threat to national security.
“Indeed, when injustice abounds, particularly in situations where the bench, which is considered the final arbiter of disputes, is deemed biased, citizens tend to take the law into their own hands most times without recourse to the established systems of justice delivery,” he said.
He added, “If the interpretation of the law is tilted in our favour all the time, people will start accusing the judiciary and will not have the confidence that they need.”
Nicholas Brown
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