From Joana Kumi, Cape Coast
The Cape Coast Court Complex was a scene of solemnity and purpose as the High Courts have officially commenced hearings for criminal cases for the 2025 legal year.
The opening ceremony, held in High Court 2, signaled the beginning of a judicial process that would determine the fate of individuals accused of committing some of the most serious offenses under Ghanaian law.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from the Regional Administrative Officer of the Central Region Judicial Service, Mr. Samuel Ben Armoo.
Addressing members of the bench, bar, security services, and the general public, he explained that the court had entered a period designated for handling indictable criminal cases thus cases not ordinary docket matters.These, he noted, included grave offenses such as murder, manslaughter, and other high-profile crimes which, by law, could only be tried by the High Court.
“These cases are not handled on a day to day basis like regular civil or criminal matters. They are offenses of a serious nature, with significant legal implications and heavier sentencing consequences,” he explained.
“This is the time in our judicial calendar set aside specifically for the trial of such weighty matters.” he added.
He emphasized that such cases were prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General, representing the state, and often attracted long-term sentences, including life imprisonment or decades behind bars.
He further noted that jury trials had been set for all these cases, underscoring the unique role jurors played in this process.
“In our system, jurors are not judges of the law, they are judges of fact. Their duty is to listen, observe, and determine the truth based on the evidence presented before them,” he stated.
Delivering a keynote address, the supervising High Court Judge for the Central Region, Her Ladyship Justice Juliana Amonoo-Niezer, described the period as a crucial one in the delivery of justice.
“This phase in the judicial calendar is more than just court sittings, it is a powerful affirmation of our collective responsibility to uphold the rule of law,” she said.
“The trial of criminal cases goes to the heart of our justice system. It safeguards the rights of citizens and ensures that justice is not only done but seen to be done.” she explained.
Justice Amonoo-Niezer took a moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of Ghana’s security services to the smooth operation of the criminal justice system.
She commended the Ghana Police Service for their tireless investigative work and role in maintaining public order, even under difficult circumstances.
She also acknowledged the Ghana Prisons Service for their discipline, reliability, and unwavering commitment in ensuring that accused persons are brought before court as required.
“These acts though often unseen are a testament to the cooperative spirit that binds our institutions together in pursuit of justice,” she said.
“To the jurors, I thank you deeply for your time, your neutrality, and your courage. Your role is sacred, and your service is to the entire state.”
She cautioned jurors to remain impartial throughout the trials and to avoid any form of interaction or gifts from parties connected to the cases.
“Justice must not only be fair; it must appear fair. Your actions and choices matter,” she advised.
Also addressing the gathering was the regional Attorney General for the Central and Western Region, Lawyer Vincent Nyinaku described the criminal trial season as “a defining time in the legal year,” and reaffirmed the critical role of the Attorney General’s Department in the administration of justice.
“In every society, the prosecution of crime is a public duty. The Office of the Attorney General is committed to ensuring that justice is done without fear or favour,” he noted.
“We work not just to convict, but to ensure fairness for both the accused and the victims.”
The highlight of the event was the empaneling of juries for three major murder trials, to be heard by His Lordship Justice John-Mark Alifo, presiding judge of High Court 2. The cases are:
The Republic vs. Andrews Obuor
The Republic vs. Lukeman Gariba
The Republic vs. Christopher Ekow Clark and Michael Darko
After the jury panels were constituted and accepted by the accused persons, Justice Alifo addressed the jurors with solemn guidance.
“You have been chosen to serve in a process that directly affects people’s lives. It is an immense responsibility. As jurors, you are required to be attentive, honest, and above all, impartial.” he said
He cautioned the jurors against forming premature opinions or discussing the case outside the courtroom, stressing the importance of their neutrality.
He further warned them against referring to the accused persons as criminals or murderers.
“You must always remember that, under our laws, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Until the court has delivered its final verdict, you cannot and must not label any accused person as having committed the crime,” he firmly advised.
He also reminded them that if at any point they faced personal challenges, be it a conflict with trial dates or the desire to withdraw, they could communicate with the court in a respectful and appropriate manner.
“Should any of you, along the way, feel the need to step aside, the court is open to hearing you. But let it be done through the right procedures,” he said.
Justice Alifo concluded by thanking the jurors for their commitment and patriotism. “You are doing a national service. Your presence in this courtroom speaks volumes about the values we hold as a nation, justice, truth, and fairness.”
The opening of the 2025 criminal trial period serves as a reminder of the weight the judiciary carries in maintaining law, order, and accountability in Ghanaian society.
As the court proceedings unfold in the coming weeks and months, all eyes would remained on High Court 2, where justice could not only be delivered but be seen to be delivered.
