KEY POINTS
- The judge urged actors to approach criminal assizes with fairness and diligence.
- Criminal justice is essential to maintaining societal peace and order.
- Stakeholders must collaborate to uphold justice and integrity in the process.
The Central Region Supervising High Court Judge has urged judicial actors to treat criminal cases with utmost integrity.
Juliana Amono-Niezer made this call during the opening ceremony of the 2025 criminal assizes held at the Cape Coast Court Complex. She emphasized that judges and jurors must be guided by the law and committed to fairness and justice.
“I have no doubt that through our collective effort guided by the principles of law, and driven by shared commitment to justice, these criminal assizes will be conducted with efficiency, fairness and a profound respect for the rights of all,” she said.
Criminal assizes are special High Court sessions convened annually to try indictable offences like murder, rape, armed robbery, and treason.
The event commenced with the empanelling of juries for three murder cases, including the 2022 Mankessim murder involving Georgina Asor Botchwey.
Criminal assizes vital to justice delivery
According to MyJoyOnline, Mrs. Amono-Niezer stressed that criminal assizes underpin Ghana’s justice system. They ensure fair and swift trials for individuals accused of serious crimes, before a judge and a jury.
She stated that success of these assizes requires professionalism and collaboration from all involved parties.
“The opening of the criminal assizes is not merely procedural formality but a powerful reaffirmation of our collective commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the rights of all individuals and ensuring peace and security of our communities,” she noted.
She praised judges, lawyers, police officers, state attorneys, jurors, and prison officers for their dedication. The judge also acknowledged the media’s contribution and encouraged responsible journalism to promote trust in state institutions.
Criminal justice essential to peace and order
Principal State Attorney Vincent Aboagye Nyinaku stressed that criminal justice prevents societal chaos and lawlessness. He encouraged all parties to support and strengthen the system.
Nyinaku urged jurors to remain fair and impartial, relying only on credible evidence. “Eschew any act of corruption in this duty given to you,” he warned.
He also called for funding support for the Attorney-General’s Office to enhance operational efficiency.
Daniel Arthur, Secretary of the Central Regional Chapter of the Ghana Bar Association, assured that lawyers will act impartially. He reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring that only guilty individuals face punishment.
