Chief Justice Sacks Judge Over Illicit Affair With Petitioner In Divorce Suit, Abuse Of Power

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has wielded the gavel of justice, dismissing Alfred Kwabena Asiedu, the Circuit Court Judge for Jasikan. The decision, based on the findings of a Disciplinary Committee report, revealed a litany of allegations, including abuse of power, malicious prosecution, and impropriety against the now-former judge.

The unraveling drama began with a petition dated January 16, 2023, lodged by Singari Diana Sadia, accusing Judge Asiedu of abuse of power, sexual exploitation, malicious prosecution, and impropriety. Acting swiftly, the Judicial Council invoked its Disciplinary Procedures, summoning the judge to appear before the Disciplinary Committee for a thorough investigation into the grave allegations.

The subsequent committee findings painted a damning picture of Judge Asiedu’s conduct. It was revealed that the judge had engaged in an improper relationship with Sadia, who happened to be a petitioner with an ongoing divorce case before his court. The Disciplinary Committee also affirmed the allegations of abuse of power and malicious prosecution, citing evidence that the judge had caused the arrest and prosecution of Sadia without proper justification.

The gravity of the findings prompted the Disciplinary Committee to recommend the dismissal of Judge Asiedu. A decision that was later ratified during a Judicial Council meeting on October 25, 2023. The Council, in unanimous agreement, deemed the judge’s actions as constituting misbehavior, leading to his removal from the esteemed position as per Article 151 (1) of the 1992 Constitution.

In an official letter dated November 13, 2023, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo delivered the final verdict, stating, “You are therefore removed from Office as a Circuit Court Judge, with immediate effect.” The directive further instructed Judge Asiedu to surrender all official properties, including his official vehicle, Dockets, and Record Books, to the Judicial Secretary without delay.

To seal the fate of the dismissed judge, the Director of Human Resource was directed to promptly remove Asiedu’s name from the judicial payroll. The decision underscores the commitment of the judiciary to uphold integrity and ethical standards within its ranks.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com