Circuit Court judge sacked for sexually exploiting woman in divorce case

The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has dismissed the Jasikan Circuit Court judge, Alfred Kwabena Asiedu, from the Judicial Service.

The reason for this is his misconduct during a divorce case that he presided over.

A letter from the Chief Justice has directed the judge to hand over all official properties in his possession to the Judicial Secretary.

On January 16, 2023, one Singari Diana Sadia petitioned the Chief Justice, accusing the circuit court judge of abuse of power, sexual exploitation, malicious prosecution, and impropriety.

“The Disciplinary Committee, after investigating the above-mentioned matter, found that you misconducted yourself as a Judge as there was ample evidence that you were involved in an improper relationship with the petitioner, who had a divorce case pending before you.

“The Disciplinary Committee also established the allegation of abuse of power and malicious prosecution against you as you were found to have caused the arrest and prosecution of the petitioner without justification. The Disciplinary Committee consequently recommended that you should be dismissed,” the letter said.

The report of the Disciplinary Committee was subsequently submitted to the Judicial Council, and by article 151 (1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, all members resolved that Alfred Kwabena Asiedu should be removed from office for Stated Misbehaviour.

The letter also said the Director of Human Resources is requested to ensure that his name is deleted from the payroll of the service with immediate effect.

Below is the letter the Chief Justice wrote to the judge in question:

I write with reference to the petition of abuse of power, sexual exploitation, malicious prosecution, and impropriety against you, received from one Singari Diana Sadia, dated 16th January 2023.

In line with the Disciplinary Procedures of the Service, you were invited to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the Judicial Council, which had been mandated to investigate the allegations against you.

The Disciplinary Committee, after investigating the above-mentioned matter, found that you misconducted yourself as a Judge as there was ample evidence that you were involved in an improper relationship with the Petitioner, who had a Divorce case pending before you. The Disciplinary Committee also established the allegation of abuse of power and malicious prosecution against you as you were found to have caused the arrest and prosecution of the Petitioner without justification. The Disciplinary Committee consequently recommended that you should be dismissed.

The report of the Disciplinary Committee was subsequently submitted to the Judicial Council, and at its 279th meeting held on 25th October 2023, the Council adopted the report of the Disciplinary Committee and decided that your above-stated actions constituted Stated Misbehaviour.

In accordance with article 151 (1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, all members of the Judicial Council present at the said meeting resolved that you should be removed from office for Stated Misbehaviour.

You are, therefore, removed from Office as a Circuit Court Judge with immediate effect. You are directed to hand over all official properties in your possession, including your official vehicle, Dockets and Record Books to the Judicial Secretary forthwith.

By a copy of this letter, the Director of Human Resources is requested to ensure that your name is deleted from the payroll of the Service with immediate effect.