A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has issued a stern warning to political actors, public office holders, and interested parties to cease any actions that could undermine the integrity and independence of the judiciary in an ongoing high-profile court case.
Addressing members of the media, the Lead Convenor for the coalition, Reverend D.K. Odei Appiah, urged the general public to draw a clear line between legitimate public scrutiny of the justice system and calculated attempts to dictate the outcome of a pending matter.
Reverend Appiah emphasised that whilst judicial independence does not place judges beyond public accountability, it guarantees that judicial officers can render decisions guided strictly by the Constitution, established law, and the evidence presented before the court.
The coalition further called on the trial court to give proper consideration to a defense application challenging the alleged attribution of statements to witnesses, maintaining that the dispute must be resolved solely by reference to the official record of proceedings and applicable law.
The coalition includes SMART Generation Governance Hub, OmanGh Interest Advocates, the Alliance of Pastors for Social and Moral Development, and Agenda for Security and Social Systems.
He urged politicians and officials not to pressure the judge in the trial of former National Signals Bureau head Kwabena Adu-Boahene.
He advised the President, members of the Executive, political parties and other public office holders to avoid any statement or action that could influence, or appear to influence, Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga of the Accra High Court.
He cited Articles 125 and 127 of the 1992 Constitution, which vest judicial power in the courts and protect the independence of the Judiciary.
The man of God added that the coalition was not asking the court to convict or acquit anyone. “Our interest is justice, not a predetermined outcome,” he said.
He further called on the Attorney-General’s Department to ensure its submissions reflect the court record, and said a pending dispute over the prosecution’s filings must be settled by the court on the record and the law.
Four individuals, including Adu-Boahene and his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng, are on trial for the alleged diversion of GH¢49.1 million (approx. $7 million) intended for a 2020 state cyber-defense system.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including theft, fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case on September 8, 2026—which featured testimony from four witnesses—the defense submitted a application for a “no case to answer,” claiming the evidence presented is insufficient. Rejecting this claim in a response filed October 9, the Attorney-General’s Department argued that the prosecution’s case overwhelmingly indicates guilt and requested the court direct the defendants to open their defense.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana