Otumfuo Blasts Delta Force

THE DELTA Force’s invasion of a courtroom to free their members, who were standing trial some months ago, has incurred the wrath of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Condemning the New Patriotic Party (NPP) pro-vigilante group’s action, Otumfuo also said the court’s punishment to them was not punitive enough.

He wondered why people, who breached the law by invading a courtroom to cause mayhem, were only fined a paltry GH¢1,800 each.

The Asantehene was of the view that light sentences for a crime of such magnitude cannot serve as deterrent to other people in society.

He said he cannot understand why a goat thief is fined GH¢5,000 and jailed afterwards, but members of the Delta Force were only fined GH¢1,800 and released.

Otumfuo said the Delta Force’s weird action threatened the life of the judge and other people in the courtroom, adding that the judiciary ought to apply the law to offenders squarely at all times without fear or favour.

Speaking at the annual Chief Justice’s Forum in Kumasi, the Asantehene stressed the importance of giving every Ghanaian, irrespective of his or her social and economic status, a fair trial and sentencing in court.

According to him, the citizenry would have strong faith in the judiciary when they realize that judgments in our courts are fair without any favour.

The Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, in her remarks, assured that the judiciary would do all it can to discharge their duties with fairness at all times. This year’s forum was under the theme: ‘Quality Judges, Delivering Quality Justice’.

Source: Kwadwo Essel/ thePublisher