Judicial scandal: High court judge set free

A High Court judge Asmah Akwasi Asiedu who was implicated in a bribery scandal has been set free.

He was cleared after the Chief Justice dismissed a petition brought by Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his investigative team, Tiger Eye PI.

The Chief Justice in a statement says allegations brought by the Private Investigations company were insufficient.

Tiger Eye P.I had alleged that the High Court judge was involved in bribery and also engaged in forbibben communications between a judge and a party to a court case.

Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas released video evidence that showed several judges allegedly taking bribes

Read full statement below

The Hon. Lady Chief Justice has dismissed the Bribery Allegation petition by tigereyepi against Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu.

This is because 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 Judges and Magistrates of Ghana (CCJMG).

Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu was elevated to the High Court on 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 misbehaviour.

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to His Excellency the President in accordance with article 146 of the 1992 Constitution since articles 148 and 151 were no longer applicable to him following his elevation.

His Excellency the President, in a letter dated 23^rd 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 threGeorshold.

SECOND INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE

Meanwhile, in order to expedite investigations into the alleged stated misconduct by the High Court Judges, the Chief Justice in accordance with a decision of the Judicial Council has constituted a second Committee to investigate the matter against three of the Judges in line with article 146(4).

The five-member Committee comprises a Justice of the Supreme Court who is the Chairperson with two Justices of the Court of Appeal appointed by the Judicial Council and two other persons appointed on the advice of the Council of State, who are neither members of the Council of State, nor members of Parliament, nor lawyers.

(SGD)

JUSTICE ALEX B. POKU-ACHEAMPONG

JUDICIAL SECRETARY