The judge overseeing the case involving the state and Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson has issued a stern warning to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication officer, Sammy Gyamfi, and others about their public comments. Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe expressed dissatisfaction with the commentaries on the case, emphasizing that any attempts to undermine the court’s authority would not be tolerated. She stressed that all parties should refrain from using public opinion to influence the case.
On Thursday, May 28, 2024, the court addressed Sammy Gyamfi after Justice Botwe noticed his absence during the previous week’s cross-examination. Gyamfi was questioned about comments he made after the proceedings, which the court found inappropriate.
In an interview, Sammy Gyamfi acknowledged the court’s caution, stating, “…In principle, the caution of the court is in order.” He clarified that his remarks were hypothetical and not intended to undermine the court or the presiding judge. “My statement was very clear, it was a hypothetical statement that if you have an Attorney General who can call an accused person on the blind side of his lawyer when he knows the ethics of the bar prescribes that the person can call a… it was in reference to this and I think that we’ll see the incontrovertible evidence to show that, that hypothetical statement I made is actually a fact.”
Background
On May 23, 2024, during a press engagement, Sammy Gyamfi suggested that the Attorney General could potentially call a judge, referencing claims by Richard Jakpa about being contacted at odd hours. Jakpa’s allegations have led to calls for Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame’s resignation.
In Court
Cassiel Ato Forson’s legal team has filed two motions: one for a stay of proceedings and another for an inquiry. The deputy attorney general confirmed receipt of these motions and indicated that an affidavit in opposition had been filed, ready for the court’s consideration.
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