Ghana Bar Association regrets attacks on Judge, judicial system in Ya-Na ruling

April 01, 2011 Accra, April 1, GNA - The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) says it regrets the "unrestrained attacks" on the judicial system and the person of Mr Justice E.K. Ayebi, the judge who last Tuesday acquitted and discharged the 14 accused persons in the case of murder of the Ya-Na.

A statement signed in Accra on Friday by Mr Frank W.K. Beecham, National President, said the GBA had "noted with grave and regrettable disquiet, the incessant, if not mischievous, and unrestrained attacks on the person of His Lordship, Justice E.K. Ayebi, and the integrity of the judicial system, following the acquittal of 14 accused persons in the most recent Ya-Na trial".

It said the haste with which these attacks had been made suggested several preconceptions of protagonists on the matter without recourse to the actual ruling of the trial judge.

The GBA said it was regrettable that some of these "unfortunate comments" had been made by members of the Bar.

"It is the view of the GBA that the media and all those who want to be informed about the matter, ought to procure and read copies of the full ruling of the court. It is only then that we can have an informed and honest debate over and assessment of these matters, which will in turn provide brighter light and less heat to our national fabric."

The GBA admits that judges, being human, may and do err.

"When they do, we must, as civilised persons, seek to correct the error by resorting to the constitutionally guaranteed appeal or review process. We cannot allow our dear nation to descend into anarchy. Let us as a nation discuss and debate the issues, but refrain from unjustified attacks on persons who may hold views we disagree with."

The GBA said it was calling on members of the public to secure copies of the ruling in the trial, study and then engage in a rational and decorous debate with the view to advancing the fortunes of the country.

GNA