Lawyer defends Justice Honyenuga, says his statement was for his people

On Monday, 11th May 2020, President Akufo-Addo’s four Supreme Court Justice nominees faced the appointments committee of parliament for vetting. Among these four judges was Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga who has now been appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court.

Justice Honyenuga who doubles as a Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area in the Oti Region recently incurred the wrath of Ghanaians for publicly endorsing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a speech at a durbar of Chiefs and people of Nyagbo to welcome the president.

He, however, explained that his comment was not his personal view. Rather, it was the view of his people.

In supporting the Justice, constitutional lawyer Kojo Addo Tuffour has said that Justice Honyenuga spoke on behalf of his people and as such his comments could not be held against him as a judge and also as a traditional leader.

According to him, politics can be found in every institution including the Supreme Court.

“The word ‘politics’ came from the word ‘policies’. The Supreme Court is there to make policies all over the world. The Supreme Court is a political body. You may not see them wear party shirts but it is a political body all over the world. This is because the decisions, policies and affirmations that come out will shape a country forever. Look at their decision against the use of national health insurance in the voting process.it has become an established law”, he said.

“At that point he was a leader who had to speak for his people. I don’t see any wrong in that. We have seen other traditional leaders who have gone as far as endorsing candidates for elections”, he added.

He was very optimistic that the judge will preside over court cases in a very professional manner regardless of his comments. “He is a fine gentleman and a seasoned jurist”, he said.

While reading a speech at the function, Mr. Honyenuga is alleged to have said that “it is our hope that with your vision and the special gains you have made in the economy in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years.”

At his vetting, he was however, compelled to apologize for his comment as Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa pointed out that his conduct was against the ethics of his profession.