By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
A Political analyst and governance advocate, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers has cautioned against prejudging the ongoing Kpandai parliamentary rerun case, warning that public commentary and political narratives risk undermining the judicial process.
Speaking on ‘Current Agenda’: Your Voice, Your Power, on GTV, Powers said disagreements over legal procedure had delayed proceedings, particularly over whether aspects of the case could proceed without the physical presence of the accused person.
While some legal opinions suggested the process could continue in the absence of the accused, others insisted on his presence, a situation he described as a waste of valuable time.
Powers rejected claims that the accused deliberately evaded the process, noting that lawyers were actively involved and that legal interpretations differed on whether the presence of the accused was required at that stage.
He warned that discussions in the media risk prejudging the case, stressing that only the courts have the authority to determine facts, guilt, or innocence.
“One of the cardinal principles of democratic governance across the world is the rejection of political persecution,” Powers said, adding that even in jurisdictions such as the United States, both the courts and executive authorities are careful to avoid political prosecution.
Touching on broader legal processes, Brako-Powers said judicial and extradition matters are never straightforward, cautioning against assumptions that legal requests automatically result in quick outcomes.
He described the road ahead as a complex and demanding legal journey, particularly where international standards and evidentiary requirements apply.
He concluded by urging restraint, insisting that allegations of wrongdoing must be proven through credible evidence in court, not through media commentary or political rhetoric.
