Mr. Tweneboah Koduah, a private legal practitioner, condemned the two press conferences held by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the ongoing ambulance trial as “much ado about nothing.”
He stated that the two political entities are not parties to the case; hence, their commentaries on the matter will have no bearing on the ongoing court proceedings.
The NDC on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of Godfred Yeboah Dame and his subsequent prosecution over alleged fabrication of evidence and manipulation of the judiciary.
The party further called on the General Legal Council to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him and disbar him as a lawyer since, in their view, he has misconducted himself.
The NPP responded by describing the call for his removal as unwarranted.
The elephant family said the tape the NDC played at the press conference was doctored and contained nothing damaging.
The lawyer reacting to these two press conferences explained that there is no law that prevents people from making commentary in an ongoing case before a competent court of jusrisdiction.
However, the commentary should not be prejudicial.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Kodua indicated that “when there is a case before a court, no law prevents or stops you from commenting on it. However, there is a need to avoid making statements that will prejudice the matter or undermine the court. That is why it is important for people to exercise restraint when there is a case before the court and allow the matter to be dealt with before making any commentary.”
What the two political parties are doing is not the best. The case is being decided in a court of law. The court will come to a final determination on the matter. The press conferences will have no bearing on the matter. You can organise more than ten conferences; it will have no effect on the ongoing court case. If these two political parties claim to have the interest of the country at heart and what it means to promote democracy, then there should be respect for the court and allow the case to be adjudicated.”
He added that “the two parties should exercise patience, allow the case to travel its full course, and stop what they are doing. Whatever happens, the judge presiding over the matter will be the one to deliver the final judgement on the matter.
“The Attorney General lacks the authority to render a final decision on the matter. He can only prosecute the case and let the presiding judge render his or her ruling. The NDC or the NPP are not on trial, and they have no business or connection to the case to provide any evidence to the court. The state is prosecuting some of the defendants and has closed its case. The accused have also answered, and the case will be decided soon, with the ultimate judgement handed. As a result, what these two parties are doing and saying has no bearing on the case. Their commentary is best described as noise.
Let me further emphasise that if what they are saying does not undermine the court or prejudice the case, they can say it.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
