Abraham Amaliba, the Director of Conflict Resolution for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a lawyer, has criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to strike out Rockson Nelson Etse Defeamakpor’s writ against ministerial nominees, contrasting it with the unresolved case of Richard Dela Sky, as a form of selective justice.
Hon. Defeamakpor had filed a motion seeking to restrain the Speaker of Parliament from approving certain ministerial nominees. However, during the court session on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the case was promptly adjourned for the Court to confirm whether the plaintiff had been served with a hearing notice.
During proceedings, the Chief Justice, presiding over the bench, observed that the plaintiff’s lawyer, Nii Kpappo Addo, had instructed a staff member not to accept any documents from the Supreme Court. Despite this, the bailiff confirmed leaving the notice of hearing and the Attorney General’s opposition to the temporary court order when informed by the staff of the plaintiff’s lawyer.
The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that such actions were disrespectful to the court but urged the court to proceed with the temporary court order application. Following verification that the documents were duly filed, the Supreme Court permitted the application to proceed.
In his lawsuit against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General, filed on March 18, 2024, Defeamakpor contended that the President should have sought parliamentary approval before reassigning ministers whose appointments were revoked. President Akufo-Addo announced a reshuffle on February 14, 2024, affecting 13 ministers and 10 deputy ministers.
The Supreme Court dismissed Defeamakpor’s application, upholding the President’s constitutional authority to make such appointments. Amaliba expressed concerns over the timing of the dismissal compared to the pending case of Richard Dela Sky, suggesting potential biases in the judicial process.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM AMALIBA IN THIS AUDIO:
Speaking on Accra-based Ahotor 92.3 FM, Mr. Amaliba also criticized President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, describing it as worrisome. He denounced the letter written by the Executive Secretary of the Presidency, Asante Bediatuo, to Parliament, alleging it to be a violation of Ghana’s constitution.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM AMALIBA AGAIN IN THIS AUDIO:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com
