Judge warns against delays in Afoko case
The Human Rights Court hearing the suit filed by the embattled National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Paul Afoko, challenging his suspension, has given an indication that it would not entertain any delay tactics by both parties in the case.
Advertisement
Any delay, the court said, could be detrimental to Mr Afoko’s rights.
“Let’s be mindful of the fact that although the plaintiff has been suspended, he was also legitimately elected for a specific period of time. Therefore, any delay in the case could make it impossible for him to assume his position in the event he wins this case,” the court said.
The court, presided over by Mr Justice Anthony Yeboah, therefore cautioned both parties not to unduly delay the case.
“It is fair and in the interest of both parties that we expedite this case,” the presiding judge said.
Delay
Mr Justice Yeboah made the comments after counsel for the NPP, Mr Godfred Dame, had requested for more time to respond to certain documents filed by Mr Afoko’s legal team.
According to him, Mr Afoko’s lawyers failed to file those documents within the stipulated period.
But the development attracted the displeasure of the presiding judge.
“I am not blaming any side for employing delay tactics, but I don’t think it will be in anybody’s interest if this case is unduly delayed,” the judge stated.
Suit
Mr Afoko went to court in December, last year to challenge the constitutionality of his suspension.
Joined to the suit are the NPP and its Acting Chairman, Mr Freddie Blay.
Gag order
When the case was called yesterday Mr Dame repeated his displeasure at what he claimed were comments by Mr Afoko on certain media platforms, which he said were prejudicial to the case.
The court, however, took a different view and stated that it could not put a gag order on the plaintiff or any other interested party in the case so far as such people did not make comments about the merits of the case.
“It is not my responsibility to gag anybody. Every citizen of Ghana has the right to free speech. Both parties can, therefore, say whatever they want if it is within the limits of the law,” the court asserted.
The case was adjourned to today for the commencement of the pre-trial proceedings.
#GhanaVotes2016
