Director of Communications for the Dr. Bawumia 2024 campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as disrespectful and unwarranted attacks on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), following the Association’s call for the reversal of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, April 30, Aboagye urged the NDC to exercise decorum and show respect toward the GBA, even if it disagreed with the Association’s position.
“I don’t think that the NDC, that is being paid by the taxpayer and is supposed to be leading the charge in the development of this country, including protecting our democracy, should be speaking to the GBA in such an arrogant manner,” he said.
While acknowledging that disagreement with the GBA’s stance is legitimate, Aboagye stressed that personal attacks and partisan accusations against the Association are unjustified.
“What is their crime? For me, in this country, like we say, the law is in the bosom of the judge. So we can always disagree with these things so long as a judge has not ruled on it. But these are the views of the GBA. So why are you calling them names?” he questioned.
His remarks come in response to criticisms from NDC members, including the party’s Director of Legal Affairs, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, who accused the GBA of adopting a partisan posture and undermining the Constitution through its April 26 statement.
The GBA had described the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama as unconstitutional and lacking legal basis under Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution. The Association called for the immediate revocation of the decision.
Aboagye contended that the NDC’s reaction to the GBA’s resolution reflects longstanding political bias and animosity toward the judiciary.
“If you look at their history, the NDC has a certain hatred for the judiciary. I do not think that the way they are going is right, but it is up to them,” he said.
He also cautioned the NDC against politicising the leadership of the GBA, reminding them that the Association’s leaders were democratically elected by lawyers nationwide.
“For Christ’s sake, whoever that is, the President or the Secretary of the GBA, was voted for by the lawyers. Give them some respect. Do not drag down an association that you are part of simply because they have taken a decision that you think goes against your political party,” Aboagye stated.
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