The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has petitioned the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo to remove Justice Edward Twum from further hearing the application for confirmation of seizure and freezing orders of former Minister for Water and Sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah’s properties.
The OSP has accused Justice Edward Twum of prejudice against the Office and the person of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.
The office, prior to today’s sitting, had stated on its on social media handle that the petition was to remove Justice Edward Twum from all pending cases, involving the office of the special prosecutor.
Meanwhile, Victoria Barth, defence counsel for Madam Cecilia, has expressed her disdain about the move of the OSP, describing it as disrespect to the court, particularly when lawyers of the office failed to appear before it yesterday.
This was after the judge informed the respondents that he received a letter that the OSP has written to the Chief Justice that he should recuse himself from the case and adjourned to wait for the decision of the Chief Justice on the petition.
Hitherto, the business of the day was for the OSP to move an application for confirmation of seizure and freezing orders, as well as begin processes for the charge of refusal to declare assets brought against Cecilia Dapaah.
Victoria Barth, in expressing disapproval of the OSP action said, “In respect of the information regarding the applicant’s petition to the Chief Justice that you recuse yourself from this matter.
It is, however, disappointing that having regard to the adverse effect that his pending application has on the first respondent, he did not even deem it fit to give us notice of this petition.
It is regrettable that this petition should come so late in the day when no prior indication or complaint has been made, regarding your Lordship’s capacity, competence or integrity in dealing with this matter.”
According to her, the respondents – Cecilia and her husband Daniel Osei Kufuor- believe that the petition has no merit and it was deliberate ploy to frustrate the hearing, as well as a deliberate attempt to shield the ill-fitted application brought by the OSP.
