Juliana Amono-Niezer, the Supervising High Court Judge for the Central Region, has urged all actors in the judicial system, particularly judges and jurors to handle criminal cases with integrity, diligence, and a firm commitment to justice and fairness.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Criminal Assizes for the Central Region, held at the Cape Coast Court Complex, she emphasised that criminal trials involved not only the lives and liberty of individuals but also had implications for societal peace and security.
“I do not 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 stated.
The annual criminal assizes are special sessions of the High Court dedicated to trying indictable offences such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and treason. The ceremony was followed by the empanelling of jurors for three murder cases, including the high-profile Mankessim case involving the tragic killing of a prospective nursing student, Georgina Asor Botchwey, in 2022.
Amono-Niezer highlighted that the criminal assizes served as a cornerstone of the country’s justice system, providing an avenue for accused persons to be tried fairly and swiftly before a judge and a jury. She pointed out that the effective execution of these sessions required more than just judicial involvement; it demanded the active cooperation and professionalism of all key stakeholders.
According to her, “The opening of the criminal assizes is not merely a 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 went on to commend the contributions of state attorneys, police and prison officers, jurors, and members of the judiciary for their dedication to impartiality and professionalism over the years. She also acknowledged the critical role of the media and encouraged journalists to continue with accurate and responsible reporting to reinforce public trust in the justice system.
Adding his voice to the call, Vincent Aboagye Nyinaku, a Principal State Attorney with the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, underscored the importance of the criminal justice system to national stability. He cautioned that a failure to uphold the rule of law would plunge the country into chaos and disorder.
He encouraged all involved in the justice process to commit to strengthening the system, while urging jurors to maintain fairness and avoid corruption. “Eschew any act of corruption in this duty given to you,” he stressed.
Nyinaku also supported the directive to ensure the swift disposal of cases but appealed for increased funding for the Attorney-General’s office to execute its mandate effectively.
For his part, Daniel Arthur, Secretary of the Central Regional Chapter of the Ghana Bar Association, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to justice, pledging that its members would carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour to ensure that only the guilty are punished.
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