One of the implicated judges in the judicial corruption scandal Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
The Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood in a statement said Justice Asiedu’s case has been dismissed because a prima facie case cannot be established against him.
“The evidence provided by Tigereyepi in support of the allegations against the said Judge is not sufficient to meet the Prima Facie test either in relation to the allegation of bribery or ex-parte communication between the Judge and the Petitioner on a judicial matter pending before him, contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judge and Magistrates of Ghana (CCJMG),” the statement signed by the Judicial Secretary Justice Alex Poku-Acheampong said.
Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu was elevated to the High Court in April 1, this year. This was at a time when the appointing authorities were not privy to the alleged acts of misconduct or wrongdoings brought against him and 21 Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates who have been referred to the Chief Justice to be dealt with in accordance with Article 151 of the 1992 Constitution by tigereyepi for alleged stated misbehavior.
In view of his position as a High Court Judge, the petition against him was subsequently forwarded to His Excellency the President in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution since article 148 and 151 were no longer applicable to him following his elevation.
His Excellency the President, in a letter dated 23rd September, 2015, requested the Chief Justice to handle the petition under article 146 and determine whether or not there was a Prima Facie case against His Lordship Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu as per article 146()3.
“The Chief Justice upon her determination concluded that the evidence provided by tigereyepi in support of the allegations against Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu is inadequate and so fails to meet the constitutional Prima Facie threshold,” the statement added.
By: Kasapafmonline.com/Ghana
