The legal representative of former Deputy Attorney-General and Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Ofosu Nkansah, has urged politicians to exercise caution and restraint when making public comments about ongoing legal matters. The lawyer said public statements by political actors can easily influence public perception and affect the course of justice if not properly grounded in facts.
In a press briefing in Accra, the counsel emphasised that the right to free speech is important, but it should not be used to make inflammatory comments about cases that are still before the courts. He stressed that comments that suggest guilt or innocence before due process has been completed may undermine confidence in the judicial system and unfairly prejudice public opinion.
The lawyer noted that Ofosu Nkansah is currently involved in legal proceedings related to allegations that have attracted widespread attention on social media and in political circles. He said criticism of public institutions and officials is a normal part of democratic life, but political figures should take extra care when addressing matters that are sub judice, meaning under judicial consideration.
According to the lawyer, comments made about legal cases by influential figures carry weight with the public and can sometimes lead to a misunderstanding of the facts or the legal principles at stake. He urged politicians to respect the independence of the judiciary and allow the court process to unfold without undue external pressure.
The counsel also reminded the media and civil society groups of their responsibility to promote accurate and balanced reporting, especially on matters that involve ongoing investigations or trials. He said that when public commentary becomes sensationalised, it can distract from the core legal and factual issues that courts are tasked with resolving.
In addition, the lawyer encouraged members of the public to allow the judicial system to operate fairly and impartially before drawing conclusions based on public commentary. He said that every individual is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by a competent court of law.
Political analysts have noted that this warning comes at a time when legal matters involving public figures are frequently discussed on social platforms and in political campaigns. They say that increased respect for legal processes and careful language by politicians could strengthen public trust in the rule of law and democratic institutions.
The lawyer concluded by appealing to all political actors, media practitioners and commentators to be mindful of their contributions to public discourse and to ensure that comments made in public do not interfere with the administration of justice. His statement reaffirmed the need for responsible engagement in national debates about legal and political matters.
