Lawyers challenging the emergency communication law have waived their right to object to Justice Stephen Oppong, who is hearing the case over possible bias.

Justice Oppong on Tuesday informed the lawyers he had previously worked in the law firm representing one of the defendants in the case.

He said he had worked at the Kumasi branch of law firm Minkah-Premo and co which represents the National Communications Authority in this matter. 

But a member of the legal team Justice Sai told the judge they do not intend to exercise their right to object to him hearing the case.

He said they had followed his work in private practice which was one of integrity and since this was a public interest matter with no private benefit, they are confident justice will be served. 

Private legal practitioner Francis Kwarteng Arthur is in court challenging the law signed by President Akufo-Addo saying it violates mobile users' rights to privacy.

The emergency legislation signed by President Akufo-Addo on March 24 seeks to provide legal backing to a series of measures being taken by government to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The law specifically directs network operators to make available data including all called numbers, mobile money merchant codes and uncashed subscriber mobile money transfer data.

The lawyers representing Mr. Arthur currently has an application for an injunction before the court.

Justice Oppong then proceeded to point out some defects he had noticed in the application for injunction.

He said the supporting affidavit for the originating writ of summons had been attached to the application for injunction.

Mr. Sai admitted to this and intended to replace the document with another.

Justice Oppong, however, asked that it is appropriately filed at the court’s registry.

He has adjourned  the case to May 20 for continuation.