Corruption: We are struck down by a Tsunami of scandal - Asantehene

Addressing a conference of lawyers at the KNUST, Asantehene said instead of Ghana celebrating the extent of its rule of law, the country is rather highly betrayed by the latest development in the judiciary.

Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, has expressed pain and despair over revelations that several members of the judiciary have been implicated in a massive bribery scandal. He said this on the back of the latest expose on judiciary which will soon be released by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. Thirty judges and about a 100 court officials have been captured in a yet-to-be released video receiving bribes or engaged in corrupt activities to influence justice.

Addressing a conference of lawyers at the KNUST, Asantehene said instead of Ghana celebrating the extent of its rule of law, the country is rather highly betrayed by the latest development in the judiciary.

"The spirit of the nation is in despair. I do not think that anyone would have foreseen that this conference would open under the cloud that have engulfed the judicial service and the entire system of justice in our nation.

"As you began preparing for this conference, one would have felt that there were things to be celebrated such as evidence of the consolidation of the rule of law, and the continuing modernisation of the judicial service infrastructure. Yet, here we are today, struck down by the Tsunami of scandal that threatens to wash away the integrity of the entire judicial arm of government. I speak with a nation betrayed, and the anguish of a people ravaged, whose fate in the nation's most cherished institutions now lie in the crushed earth", Asantehene added.

The Asantehene was however hopeful that the country's commitment to democracy will rise above all the latest corruption issues the country is currently encountering.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Mrs. Georgina Wood has promised to “swiftly and decisively apply appropriate sanctions” if judges implicated in a bribery scandal are found guilty.