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The Minister of National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah has been at the receiving end of backlash after his comment on the Judiciary. 

Mr Kan Dapaah speaking at a sensitization workshop on the national security strategy for judges of the superior courts said: “injustice occasioned as a result of the absence of an effective justice delivery system or delayed justice or biased justice is certainly a threat to national security.

“Indeed, when injustice abounds, particularly in situations where the bench, which is considered the final arbiter of disputes, is deemed biased, citizens tend to take the law into their own hands most times without recourse to the established systems of justice delivery,” he said.

“If the interpretation of the law is tilted in our favour all the time, people will start accusing the judiciary and will not have the confidence that they need” he added.

Frank Davies question

This has, however, generated controversy. According to NPP’s head of Legal Committee, Frank Davies “Justices or judges of our courts do not dispense justice in tandem with whichever political party holds the reins of government. So this business tilting interpretation in favour of ‘us’…who determines who has tilted the interpretation of the law?

Ayikoi Otoo's take

The Former Attorney General in reaction said even though the perception of bias exists, the judges have taken an oath to do justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour.

“I’m sorry to say that, I don’t think he sought legal advice, because the judges have taken an oath to do justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour, ill-will and affection. He was saying that if someone brings a bad case, the Supreme Court must give a decision to favour that person merely because every time ruling for you will make people feel there is something wrong?” he quizzed.

However, Sam Pee Yaley, a lawyer and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) believes Frank Davies and Ayikoi Otoo have no right to criticise the National Security Minister.

Contributing to a panel discussion on UTV's Adekye Nsroma, the former High Commissioner to India said the only one to call the Minister to order is President Akufo-Addo.

"These are not just mere claims...if people lose confidence in the judiciary, it has dire consequences. As a lawyer, I take Kan Dapaah's statement very serious...he's a member of government; he's not the government's lawyer or attorney, he is just the National Security Minister and I'm sure he's been briefing the President and so if he's made a comment which you feel is bad, all you need to do is to invite him to a cabinet meeting for him to explain himself or the threat we're facing as a country so that we can take the necessary steps..." he said

Adding "if he's said something which is not right, it is the President who must query him and not Frank Davies or Ayikoi Otoo"

Listen to Sam Pee Yaley in the video below