The Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame, John Darko, has strongly criticised the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, accusing him of prejudging individuals currently under investigation for alleged criminal offenses.
The lawmaker argued that the Attorney-General’s recent public engagements are unlawful as they contravene the fundamental legal principle that anyone standing trial is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
“Across the world, it is standard practice that until a competent court of jurisdiction pronounces guilt, no other institution or individual can do so,” the MP stated. “However, we have discovered that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice is fond of pronouncing people criminals when no court has ruled against them.”
Speaking on the program Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he asserted: “The Attorney-General, who is a seasoned lawyer, is engaging in acts that undermine and disrespect the court, and prejudice ongoing cases. If he continues doing that, he will bring the administration of justice into disrepute, and that is what we are opposing.”
He urged host Kwabena Agyapong and the public to stand up against the Attorney-General’s actions. Mr. Darko warned that these comments risk “poisoning the minds of Ghanaians” against the accused, even if they are ultimately acquitted of the charges.
The MP further contended that the Attorney-General’s commentary has the potential to improperly influence presiding judges.
“We have to prove these cases beyond reasonable doubt. But because of the way the Attorney-General is behaving, it will make the judges see these accused persons as guilty even before the cases are over, when they are supposed to preside over these cases strictly on the facts and the law,” he concluded.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
