Judicial scandal: Chief Justice dismisses allegations against Justice Asiedu

Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu, one of the judges indicted in the judicial corruption scandal has been cleared of any wrongdoing, by the Chief Justice.

Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Chief Justice in a statement issued and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday in Accra said Justice Asiedu’s case has been dismissed because a prima facie case cannot be established against him.

It said 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 Judge and Magistrates of Ghana.

The statement signed by Justice Alex Poku-Acheampong the Judicial Secretary said Justice Asiedu was elevated to the High Court in April 1, this year, 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 tigereyepi for the alleged misbehavior.

It said in view of his position as a High Court Judge, the petition against him was subsequently forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution since article 148 and 151 were no longer applicable to him following his elevation.

According to the statement 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 him as per article 146(3).

It stated that, the Chief Justice upon her determination concluded that the evidence provided by Tigereyepi in support of the allegations against Justice Asiedu is inadequate and so fails to meet the constitutional prima facie threshold.

Meanwhile the releases said in order to expedite investigation into the alleged stated misconduct by the High Court Judges; the Chief Justice in accordance with a decision of the Judicial Council has constituted a second committee to investigate the matter against three of the judges in line with Article 146(4).

It said the five-member committee comprises of a Justice from 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.

Source: GNA