CJ opens 2013/2014 criminal assizes with a call on all to eliminate delays in trials

The Chief Justice observed that the values of an effective justice delivery system were measured by the confidence the people reposed in it, for which reason the people of Ghana had confidence in citizens’ participation in the justice delivery by making provision for their role as jurors.

She advised the prosecution to exhibit a high level of the preparedness to handle the cases listed for the session to eliminate any discord in the smooth administration of justice during the session.

“It is essential to underscore the fact that the court, the prosecution and the defence have joint and several duties to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. This session of the criminal assizes demands no less,” Mrs Wood added.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Marieta Brew Appiah-Oppong, said for one to be selected as a juror to participate in the administration of justice was the highest civic duty which must be undertaken with all the seriousness it deserved.

She urged jurors to be punctual in court, listen to the judge with rapt attention at all times and extend courtesy to users of the court and respect for the court itself.

Mrs Appiah-Oppong called for cooperation between the police and her ministry to ensure that witnesses were produced as and when required, in order not to unduly delay cases.

“We at the Attorney-General’s Department are committed to ensuring that we play our part to ensure speedy trials and effective justice delivery,” she said.

While imploring the Ghana Bar Association to give its utmost cooperation to ensure that justice was delivered fast in a manner that was fair to all parties, the Attorney-General advised the media to avoid sensationalising court proceedings or prejudicing trials in their reportage.

Story by Sebastian Syme