The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns about the alleged harassment and victimization of Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu.
The opposition party claims that the Dormaahene, who is not only a paramount chief but also a Justice of the High Court, has been facing retribution for comments he made at an event in Sunyani, where he spoke about the ongoing trial of MP James Gyakye Quayson.
During the event organized by the John Evans Atta Mills Heritage in Sunyani, Dormaahene appealed for a review of the legal restrictions on dual citizens being elected as Members of Parliament.
He also called on the Attorney-General to consider dropping the criminal prosecution of the Assin North MP, given his re-election by the people of Assin North in a recent by-election.
The NDC's General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, issued a statement defending the chief's right to speak on matters of public interest, emphasizing that his comments did not prejudice any ongoing court case nor breach any Code of Conduct of Judges.
Despite this, the Dormaahene was allegedly summoned before a Committee constituted by the Judicial Council and chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo, leading to the NDC's outcry of "judicial tyranny" and a demand for respect for constitutional rights to free speech.
The NDC expressed its intention to collaborate with other democracy advocates in staging public demonstrations to protest the perceived persecution of the chief.
The situation has ignited a debate on the balance between judicial independence and the right to free speech, with the NDC urging the Judiciary to refrain from infringing upon constitutionally protected rights.