Professor Ransford Gyampo has waded in the ongoing election petition at the Supreme Court calling on the judges to consider a resolution that focuses on peace and not just justice.
According to him, a settlement that prioritizes justice without considering its impact on the cohesion of the state could be inimical.
“In a very polarized country, should we use strategy to win a case or a case must be won on its own merit? Can’t a good case be won without a strategy that outwits and sacrifice peace? Shouldn’t a good or a bad case be based on the principle of “res ipsa loquitur”! (The facts speaking for itself) In conflict resolution, the deployment of strategy and tactics, may only win justice, but not peace. But justice without peace is like a car without engine,” the University of Ghana lecturer wrote on Facebook.
The comment comes on the back of the refusal of the electoral commission chair Jean Mensa to mount the witness box to be cross-examined by the counsel of the petitioner Tsatsu Tsikata.
Below are details of the write-up by Prof. Gyampo
In a very polarized country, should we use strategy to win a case or a case must be won on its own merit? Can’t a good case be won without a strategy that outwits and sacrifice peace?
Shouldn’t a good or a bad case be based on the principle of “res ipsa loquitur”! (The facts speaking for itself)
In conflict resolution, the deployment of strategy and tactics, may only win justice, but not peace. But justice without peace is like a car without engine.
In my honest view, we must rethink our overly adversarial adjudicatory system and focus on mechanisms for conflict resolution, that doesn’t deepen polarization, but keeps society together in peace.
A thinking society must not always pander to norms. We must be able to question and supplant the status quo, particularly if it is not serving any useful purpose. There certainly should be a way of dispute settlement at the courts, that wins both justice and peace.
Those who are only experts in fashioning out strategy to win justice, aren’t only lazy thinkers, but are also nation wreckers, as they are well aware that justice without peace can throw a whole nation into chaos. Their victory in securing only justice, should not be worth celebrating by right thinking people in society.
Yaw Gyampo
A31, Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond
&
Suro Nipa House
Kubease
Larteh-Akuapim
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
