“Attorney General: Chief Justice’s Panel Formation in Opuni’s Appeal Aligns with 1992 Constitution”

According to the Attorney General’s office, certain media outlets associated with Dr. Opuni have been consistently distorting court proceedings related to his prosecution. These distortions aim to misrepresent the evidence presented at trial and undermine the prosecution’s case while creating false impressions about Dr. Opuni’s defense.

In a statement dated Tuesday, May 14, 2024, the Attorney General, represented by Minister Godfred Yeboah Dame, clarified that parties in court proceedings do not have the right to dictate which court or panel hears their case. The Chief Justice, in accordance with the Constitution and the Courts Act, determines the composition of every court for any matter.

The statement also highlights the Chief Justice’s authority to request a Justice from any Superior Court to sit on the Court of Appeal or High Court as needed. Additionally, the Chief Justice presides over Supreme Court sittings, with the most senior Justice presiding in their absence, as per Article 128(3) of the Constitution.

The Attorney General’s statement refutes allegations of unusual panel formation for Dr. Opuni’s appeal hearing on May 8, 2024. It emphasizes that the reconstitution of the panel was within the Chief Justice’s powers and dismisses objections raised by Dr. Opuni’s counsel regarding the panel change.

Furthermore, the statement condemns media misrepresentations of the “Opuni case,” noting their potential to pervert justice and prejudice fair hearings. Despite such challenges, the Attorney General reaffirms the Republic’s commitment to presenting compelling evidence in prosecuting all accused persons in the case.

The statement concludes by underscoring the importance of respecting fundamental judicial principles for fair adjudication and societal stability.

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GODFRED YEBOAH DAME
ATTORNEY-GENERAL & MINISTER FOR JUSTICE