Naming And Shaming Corrupt Judges Not Enough – Minority

The Minority Spokesperson on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Joe Osei Wusu says naming and shaming of the judges who were caught on camera taking bribes will not be enough. Joe Wusu maintained that though the exposé is not a new thing, he said it goes a long way in the fight against corruption in the judiciary. He added that due process must be followed in order not to trample on their rights. “Naming and shaming alone is not sufficient, that will not change anything. I think they should be used, as he has appropriately petitioned the chief justice and the president, to achieve the ultimate goal of ridding the judiciary of the corrupt elements in it.” “I also think that the rights of any of the persons accused should not be trampled upon. They should be given the opportunity to be heard in their defense so that it is only and until when the judicial process has been resorted to, to find them guilty of the offences charged, will they be punished,” he added. He made the comments on Eyewitness News while responding to questions over a video by investigative journalist, Anas which exposes the perceived corruption in the judicial system. So far 22 out of the 34 judges captured on video taking bribes have been suspended by the Judicial Council. Meanwhile, a five-member committee has been tasked by the Council to investigate the matter to establish a primia facie case against the implicated judges. Joe Wusu said he supports the suspension provided it was done “in pursuant of the law.” On whether the video should be made public or not, the Bekwai MP said: “If there is no legal hindrance to it being published, I think it should be published. Will that affect the evidence when they are put before the appropriate panel, if not; I think it should be published.”

Source: Citifmonline.com