Legal practitioner Amos Ayuure has defended the judiciary’s discretion in granting or denying bail, saying judges operate within the confines of the law and should not be subjected to public attacks over their decisions.
Speaking on Dreamz FM’s Breakfast Today programme, Lawyer Ayuure said bail decisions are guided by legal principles and not arbitrary considerations.
He explained that Ghana’s Supreme Court ruling in the case of Martin Kpebu v. Attorney General established that there are no non-bailable offenses in the country, but granting bail remains at the discretion of the court.
According to him, judges consider several factors before granting bail, including whether an accused person is likely to abscond, interfere with investigations or witnesses, or repeat the alleged offense.
“If a judge believes granting bail may affect investigations or public safety, the judge can deny bail,” he said.
Lawyer Ayuure argued that criticism and insults directed at judges over bail decisions are misplaced because Ghana’s judicial system provides opportunities for review at higher courts.
He noted that individuals dissatisfied with bail rulings can appeal to higher courts, including the High Court and Supreme Court.
The lawyer rejected suggestions that selective arrests by security agencies undermine confidence in the judiciary, insisting that the problem lies primarily with law enforcement agencies and not the courts.
According to him, police and other enforcement agencies often “pick and choose” who to arrest, creating perceptions of unequal treatment under the law.
He warned that political interference and public pressure on law enforcement institutions threaten the fair administration of justice.
Lawyer Ayuure also criticized the growing culture of political insults and inflammatory commentary in Ghanaian public discourse, saying it distracts from pressing national issues.
He urged politicians and their supporters to promote issue-based discussions and responsible communication to strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
