The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has raised red flags on the independence of the judiciary following the attack on a Kumasi Circuit court by members of the Delta Force, a private security arm within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The GBA described the attack Thursday as sickening, and fears this is creating room for anarchy, chaos and lawlessness which must not be condoned.
A statement issued by GBA’s President, Benson Nutsukpui on the matter, said: “The Ghana Bar Association is shocked and horrified at the news item and video recordings which have gone viral alleging that members of the supposed ‘Delta Force’ have attacked the Circuit court in Kumasi earlier today after the Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Mary Senkyere, had reportedly ordered the thirteen (13) persons who were charged with the offence on conspiracy to commit crime, assault on a public officer, causing unlawful damage and preventing a public officer from doing his lawful duty, to be remanded in custody and re-appear on the 20th day of April 2017.
The statement added: “The GBA condemns in no uncertain terms this blatant disregard for the orders of a duly constituted court of law and attack on the judge in the discharge of her lawful duties. This is an affront to the independence of the Judiciary and an attack on the rule of law.”
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has issued a bench warrant for 13 members of Delta Force who escaped from Kumasi Circuit Court with the help of their colleagues.
The 13 members who were remanded into prison custody and to appear on 20th April 2017 bolted through the back door of the Court building which is used only by the Judge.
Eight persons suspected to have aided the 13 suspects to escape have also been arrested and are in police custody.
The Ashanti Regional Police PRO ASP Nketia Yeboah speaking to the media said the Police has vowed to arrest and prosecute the suspects and their accomplices.
Minister of the Interior, Ambrose Derry, has given a strong indication that, members of the vigilante group will be arrested and brought to book.
He said other security agencies will be engaged if necessary, to clamp down on the group and ensure that justice prevails.
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