Don’t ever forget that you are a lawyer for convenience’s sake – Judge warns Sammy Gyamfi

NDC Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi was put on the spot on May 28 during the hearing of the ambulance purchase trial involving former Deputy Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman, Richard Jakpa.

Presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe while addressing prosecution and defense lawyers expressed dissatisfaction with comments made in the media regarding the case.

She took a particular exception to a comment by the NDC Communications officer in which he averred that “if somebody can call an accused person without his lawyer then that person can call a judge,” referring to the actions of the Attorney-General.

The judge cautioned that utterances that cast a slur on the judiciary would not be tolerated.

But responding to the judge, Sammy Gyamfi explained that his statement was not definitive on a particular judge but a theoretical and general statement.

The judge proceeded to caution Sammy Gyamfi that “the statement was of no moment’. A point Sammy Gyamfi disagreed with.

After what seemed to be a back-and-forth with the judge, Justice Asare Botwe cautioned the NDC lawyer.

“This is the last time I am cautioning you. Don’t ever forget that you are a lawyer for convenience’s sake. No Lawyer does what you are doing with the bench.

“Assuming there is any change will you suddenly wish away all 400 of us (Judges) and get another 400?” she asked.

Former Attorney-General Marietta Oppong Brew then intervened to call the NDC Communications Officer to order.

Justice Asare Botwe then called Sammy Gyamfi, Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, lawyers representing Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa as well as former Attorney- General Marietta Oppong Brew into her chambers for a meeting.

The case has been adjourned to June 4 for continuation.

Read also:

Ato Forson trial: If anybody makes a comment to scandalise the court it won’t be tolerated – Judge

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