In REPUBLIC V. LIBERTY PRESS LTD AND OTHERS [1968] GLR 123-138, Chief Justice Akufo-Addo on the instruction of A-G Victor Owusu had this to say: "It must be appreciated by the press and all other freedom-lovers that without a judiciary strong, courageous and respected that can effectively protect the freedom which we all love so much, all talk about freedom, whether it be in the lecture room or at Bukom Square, remains no more than a mere metaphysical speculation, and the courts are entitled to look upon men such as are before me today to help them in the acquisition of the requisite strength, courage and respect. One of the surest ways of doing so is to refrain from commenting on proceedings which are pending in the courts. For these constitute some of the most fruitful fields of contempt. There is however no law which prohibits absolutely any such comments, but there is law which punishes if the limits set by law are transgressed, as indeed they have been transgressed in this case. I have stated that the courts are not above criticism but the courts will not allow themselves to be subjected to pressures emanating from irresponsible and romantic criticisms." Whose irresponsible comments could sway the decision of the Supreme Court than President Mahama and his deputy information minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu?
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:56:39 +0000
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