Private legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw has said he will not honour the summons extended to him by the Kumasi Traditional Council to appear before the chiefs.
The Kumasi Traditional Council on Monday asked the controversial lawyer to appear before them on Monday, January 29, 2024 following his outburst which sought to denigrate some chiefs in the Ashanti region.
Lawyer Ampaw who hosts a show on Accra based Wontumi TV/Radio is said to have made derogatory remarks about chiefs in Ashanti saying “some chiefs in the Ashanti Region are corrupt and womanizers”.
Speaking to Host Bonohene Baffuor Awuah on Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM Thursday, lawyer Ampaw said he stands by every word he uttered about some of the chiefs adding that he can prove his case when he is challenged.
He, however, stated that he not waste his time appearing before the Traditional Coucil because they have been prejudiced and showed bias even before he’s given a hearing.
”If you look at the conduct of the chiefs it amounts to being prejudicial. One of the Chiefs asked if I practice my law in a vehicle, go to social media and listen to how that chief addressed men. He said he doesn’t know the type of lawyer I am. That is a great insult to me. You have summoned me to respond to an issue but even before you hear from me you have rubbished my reputation and credential in public. I can sue that chief in court, it is an option that I am considering. I am a lawyer of 25 years standing, high moral character, proven integrity, I have no misconduct, I am competent enough.
”You have insulted me this much, what should I come and do before the Traditional Council on Monday? You have already found be guilty so why should I come before you.? They have already prejudiced the matter. Otumfuo is out of town, and I am sad. Otumfuo will never behave this way. If the Traditional Council sits, it must apply the law of natural justice and give all parties a fair hearing. They have shown a sign of bias by their conduct and have violated my right to fair hearing and have breached the principle of natural justice because they have called me incompetent and useless lawyer. How can I appear before a council that has already prejudiced the matter and condemned me. Is the Traditional Council not govern by law,” he asked?
Lawyer Ampaw however stated that he is ready to apologize to the chiefs but he will not appear before the Council.