Sam Okudzeto has criticized Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, for his request to drop the trial of Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson
During the John Evans Atta Mills 10th Anniversary Commemorative lecture in Sunyani, Dormaahene appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to discontinue the trial and called on the Attorney General to file a nolle prosequi to end the case.
Sam Okudzeto, a renowned private legal practitioner, expressed his disapproval of the Dormaahene’s actions, stating that such statements on a pending court case are repugnant and senseless for a sitting High Court judge.
He further commented that if he were a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Judicial Council, he would have asked the Dormaahene to resign or be sacked as a judge.
Mr. Okudzeto also expressed his surprise and shock that a sitting High Court judge would make such public statements, stating that he himself would never dream of doing so. He believed that if the Dormaahene had concerns about the case, he should have addressed them privately rather than making public appeals that interfere with the judicial process.
I was surprised that as a sitting High Court judge, he should make such statements of that nature, particularly in public. I was actually shocked because I will never dream of making statements of that nature. I think it is shocking. If he felt anything was wrong, he should have rather sought that person in private and maybe make a suggestion to him, which of course, it is the power of the Attorney-General to do what he decides to do, I don’t think anybody has authority to tell him what to do
As a member of the General Legal Council Disciplinary Committee, Sam Okudzeto further criticized the Dormaahene for interfering in the work of another judge, stating that there is a code of conduct that forbids judges from getting involved in pending court matters.
He emphasized that judges should not tell other judges or courts what to do in a particular moment.
Sam Okudzeto strongly condemned Dormaahene’s actions and statements regarding the trial of James Gyakye Quayson, highlighting the inappropriateness of a sitting High Court judge making such public appeals and interfering in a pending court case.
There is a code of conduct that forbids judges from interfering in matters, particularly when the matter is pending in court, for a judge to interfere in it. A judge has no right to try and tell another judge or another court what they should do at a particular moment. That is not allowed, it is definitely not allowed, he opined.
