Tsatsu Tsikata Tells Supreme Court judges: Tsatsu Tsikata, lead counsel for Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson, told Supreme Court Judges on Tuesday that they may make whatever decision they pleased, but it would not deprive his client of the right to be heard.
This was his reaction when a seven-member panel hearing a case involving his client told him he had to follow the Court’s directive. Justices Jones Dotse, Agnes Dordzie, Nene Amegatcher, Mariama Owusu, Gertrude Torkonoo, Prof. Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, and Emmanuel Y. Kulendi are hearing the case.
Mr Tsikata’s request for an extension of time to prepare a response to a lawsuit filed against him had recently been granted by the panel. The Court then mentioned that it was still working on two motions. One was filed by Michael Ankomah Nimfah, a resident of Assin North, who asked the court to stop the MP from performing Parliamentary duties.
The other was filed on behalf of the MP by Mr Tsikata, who raised an initial opposition to the MP’s restraint request. Mr Tsikata considered it was more appropriate for the Court to address his initial objection first, which he believed had the potential to result in Mr Nimfah dismissing the request.
However, Justice Jones Dotse, the Panel’s President, informed Mr Tsikata that, as part of its efforts to streamline its processes, the Court had opted to hear from Mr Nimfah’s counsel on the injunction application first.
He went on to say that when Mr Tsikata’s turn to speak comes up, he might express his complaint.
Mr Tsikata instantly expressed his displeasure. He stated that it was critical that his objection be addressed first.
Justice Agnes Dordzie, a member of the Panel, promptly jumped in to point out that the Court had already made its decision.
“Today’s business is on hold. “We’ve dedicated the entire morning to you,” Justice Dordzie stated.
Mr Tsikata promptly answered saying he felt it was critical that he be heard on the issue.
It is critical, my lords, that I will be documented as to why I believe the objection should be heard first. This is a legal tribunal. We’d like to raise a preliminary objection.”
The Court has already made a decision, according to Justice Dordzie.
“The Court has made its decision. “Enough is enough,” she declared.
Mr Tsikata, on the other hand, had more to say.
“This is a court of law,” says the judge. We’d want to raise a preliminary objection. Your lordships are free to make whatever decisions they choose, but I’d like to be on record. We have a constitutional right to be heard.
“My lordship cannot express his gratitude enough for all of this. Have you had your fill of the law? Have you had your fill of authorities? Enough with the ties that bind us? Is there enough justice?
It is also within counsel’s rights to state why he believes the proceedings will be adverse if handled this way.”
After that, Justice Dotse walked in to read the Court’s decision.
He noted that, as previously conveyed, the Court had chosen to take the application for injunction first, and then raise the preliminary objection when Mr Tsikata responds.
The Court adjourned proceedings to April 13 to give its decision after hearing oral arguments on these issues.
