NPP: Arrest and prosecute NDC chair for ‘treasonable’ comments

Joe Ghartey MP for Essikado         The New Patriotic Party has asked the police to effect the arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress. Former Attorney General, Joe Ghartey at a press conference in Accra on Thursday described as “treasonable” Dr Kwabena Adjei’s comments that the judiciary is biased against the ruling party. The NDC chair among other things said the Chief Justice Mrs. Theodora Georgina Wood must take steps to clean up the judiciary or the NDC will do it for her. His comments have provoked serious sentiments and criticisms from lawyers, politicians and the civil society with members of the Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Bar Association announcing a strike in protest of the comments. Even though Dr. Kwabena Adjei has since clarified his position saying his comments have been misconstrued, the NPP appears not impressed. Quoting Article 33 of the 1992 constitution Mr. Joe Ghartey maintained Dr. Adjei must be made to answer for his comments. According to him, the comments were capable of usurping the powers and independence of the judiciary. “Why has hell broken loose now? What Dr Kwabena Adjei is suggesting is not only lawless but also criminal,” Mr. Ghartey said. “May we reminded you that high treason is the greatest offence or crime that can be committed in Ghana. Dr Kwabena Adjei’s statement raises several questions. Who are the 'we' he is talking about? “...This is a matter that should immediately alert the appropriate authorities and galvanize them into immediate action. “We in furtherance of Article Three (3) and (4) of the Constitution call for the immediate arrest of Dr Kwabena Adjei as the first suspect in the commission of the crime of high treason by himself or together with others,” he added. He further reminded the police that they need no instruction from government before taking the necessary action. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana