The Supreme Court has rejected a motion to exclude Justice Ernest Gaewu from a high-profile case involving Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, dismissing concerns over potential conflict of interest due to Gaewu’s past political affiliations.
The ruling, issued on Wednesday, October 30, came after Thaddeus Sory, representing Speaker Bagbin, argued that Justice Gaewu’s prior candidacy as a parliamentary candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) raised impartiality issues. Sory suggested that Gaewu’s ties to the NPP could influence his decisions in the case, where the Speaker seeks to overturn the Court’s prior stay on his declaration that certain parliamentary seats were vacant.
Bagbin’s legal team requested that Justice Gaewu recuse himself to ensure an unbiased hearing, stressing that his previous political role could pose a risk to judicial neutrality, especially in cases impacting Parliament. They argued that a fair trial requires a bench free from associations that might affect its judgment, particularly in matters related to parliamentary representation and its possible impact on legislative dynamics.
During the hearing, Sory highlighted Gaewu’s connection to the NPP, noting, “Justice Gaewu was once a candidate for the New Patriotic Party, contesting in a constituency in the Volta Region, which raises concerns of potential bias.” Despite this appeal, the Supreme Court upheld Gaewu’s participation in the proceedings.
This decision sets the stage for a significant legal dispute, with broader implications for Ghana’s parliamentary representation, judicial independence, and the perception of impartiality within the country’s legal system.
SOURCE: http://myjoynews.com
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