Ghana’s former President, Jerry John Rawlings has expressed deep sadness at revelations about some of the country’s top judges who have been implicated in a bribery scandal.He has however called for circumspection and tact in dealing with the matter, especially by the media and members of the public. President Rawlings said in a statement that: “I feel genuinely sad about it.
I guess it shows some are just as vulnerable as most others. Times are really hard and there is no doubt some would have done it out of greed like some of our politicians, businessmen and so called men of God.
And others to profit from politics by releasing armed robbers and other criminals back into our streets.” He said “it is important, however, that the relevant institutions and authorities take the necessary steps to investigate fully these revelations and deal appropriately with the guilty culprits.
“The media and members of the general public should exercise a lot of circumspection and restraint so we do not end up bringing the reputation of many members of the judiciary – who have their integrity intact – into disrepute,” former President Rawlings added. Ace journalist, Anas captured 34 judges on video, taking bribes, to influence judgments.
Following the expose, the Judicial Council has suspended 22 of the judges pending further investigations. Meanwhile the five-member committee set up the the Chief Justice to investigate the matter have begun sitting.
