Judges are in ‘ambulance mood’ to jail politicians - Atta Akyea

Samuel Atta Akyea, Lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has alleged that judges handling politically sensitive cases are fast-tracking proceedings in a manner that creates the impression they are seeking to satisfy the expectations of Jubilee House.

Speaking on Joy FM's Newsfile, the former Abuakwa South MP claimed there was an unusual urgency in the prosecution of political cases compared to other matters before the courts.

“There seems to be an indecent haste to prosecute what I call political cases,” Atta Akyea said.

He argued that judges generally allow cases to progress at a measured pace, often granting lengthy adjournments in civil and criminal matters.

However, he claimed politically related cases are increasingly being treated as exceptional with the courts prioritizing continuous hearings and accelerated proceedings.

According to him, the same level of urgency is rarely seen in civil disputes such as land cases where litigants often endure prolonged delays before their matters are determined.

He questioned why the judiciary appeared to devote greater time and energy to political criminal cases than to other cases on its docket.

Atta Akyea said the contrast had created a perception that politically exposed persons were being subjected to what he described as "ambulance trials”.

“There is a good grounding for the position that I think the judges are in an ambulance mood to jail people,” he stated.

He also argued that the administration of justice should not be influenced by political expectations or electoral timelines, insisting that the courts must remain impartial and independent.

The senior lawyer also criticised the handling of constitutional issues raised in proceedings involving his client, alleging that the trial judge failed to give adequate consideration to an application seeking to refer constitutional questions to the Supreme Court before continuing with the trial.

According to him, the court appeared determined to proceed without allowing the constitutional issues to be fully addressed, raising concerns about fairness and due process.

“A court of competent jurisdiction wouldn't want to care about the fact that, ‘How many people can we jail so they will say that we are politically consequential?’ No, that is not justice delivery,” he stressed.

Atta Akyea maintained that the judiciary must ensure all cases, regardless of their political nature, are handled fairly and without any perception of external influence.

The judiciary has not publicly responded to the allegations.