A member of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s legal team, has condemned what he describes as unfair and prejudicial remarks directed at his client, warning against rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, January 21, Frank Davies said the commentary from certain political actors and pressure groups reflects poorly on Ghana’s democracy and respect for due process.
“It’s a sad commentary on the democracy, the rule of law and the due process we all say we cherish in this country. But listening to Hopeson Adorye [Director of Operations for the United Party], we should just delay our tongues,” he said.
Mr Davies criticised statements that label Mr Ofori-Atta a thief, stressing that the former minister has not yet been tried or given a chance to speak in court.
“You make such hurtful, pernicious remarks about someone who has not even said a word in court. Ken has not even been tried. He hasn’t had any say in court.
“So if people like Hopeson Adorye, who is supposed to be a responsible officer in a political party, talk this way, you think Ken doesn’t have reason to be apprehensive because he’s been condemned in the court of public opinion,” he said.
He described such commentary as “prejudicial, unfair, and harmful”, stating that accusations of theft or wrongdoing should not be made before a legal verdict is reached.
Mr Davies further drew attention to what he called selective activism by pressure groups.
Referring to the ongoing picketing by Arise Ghana at the United States Embassy over Mr Ofori-Atta’s absence, he noted that similar energy has not been directed toward individuals who have already been convicted in courts.
“We were all told by Ambassador Smith that there will be an extradition proceeding in respect of [former MASLOC boss] Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu today. Hopeson Adorye and the likes of him, and Arise Ghana, they are not picketing the American Embassy for Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu to be brought.
“Somebody who has been tried in the criminal court, convicted of stealing money that belongs to the state. Hopeson Adorye is not interested in that,” he said.
He described the selective attention as “shameful,” pointing to what he called double standards and disingenuous conduct by some Ghanaians in public discourse.
“This is selectivity, it’s shameful. Double standards, hypocritical conduct,” Mr Davies added.
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