The Committee for Public Accountability (CPA) has called on the Chief Justice to reassign the pending criminal case involving former Finance Minister, Kenneth Ofori-Atta and seven others, citing growing public concerns about possible conflicts of interest and judicial neutrality.
In a statement issued on Sunday, and signed by the CPA’s Executive Chairman, Collins Owusu Amankwah the group said it had taken note of discussions on social media and other public platforms questioning whether the current configuration of the case promotes confidence in the justice system.
The matter, Republic v. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta & Seven Others, is currently before the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Bertha Aninagyei.
According to the CPA, some members of the public have raised questions about “perceived associations” between Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng and persons believed to have personal or professional ties to the presiding judge.
While the group stressed that it was not making any factual conclusions about the concerns, it said perceptions alone could undermine trust in the judicial process.
“The mere perception of conflict — whether founded or unfounded — can affect public trust in the judicial process,” the statement said.
The CPA argued that high-profile cases of national interest require an environment “completely free from any appearance of bias.” It has therefore appealed to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to consider reassigning the case to another court.
“This request is made not as an indictment of any judge or official, but as a proactive measure to ensure that justice is not only done, but is manifestly and unquestionably seen to be done,” the group added.
The organisation reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary and expressed confidence that the appropriate administrative steps would be taken.