Legal Practitioner and Vice President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil says the public’s mistrust in the judicial system can be corrected if they begin to feel that justice is delivered fairly.
Citing the example of the expedited case brought before the Supreme Court by South Dayi MP, Rockson Dafeamakpor where the Minority in Parliament raised concerns of judicial bias, Kofi Bentil urged the Chief Justice to thoroughly explain why some cases get delayed or expedited to calm nerves.
Speaking to Evans Mensah on Top Story, Mr Bentil said the judiciary must also recognise the various challenges hindering justice delivery and address them.
"There is a saying that justice must be done and must be seen to be done and I think that is the challenge that our justice system must recognise and deliver on.
"I think too often justice is not seen to be done and I believe that the transparency that the present Chief Justice is bringing will help explain why certain things happen the way they happen," he said.
Giving more context, the lawyer explained that he has also witnessed instances where a case that should have been expedited was ignored by the courts.
"I have seen cases where the delays were unexplainable. For instance, the Domelevo case.
"This was a case where there was a timebound arrangement, that beyond a certain point it is moot. But that case stayed there, and we tried and tried but it wasn't called.
"The man was fired and later it was ruled that the firing was unlawful when at the time you (court) could have done something about it to save the situation, but you (court) didn't do it."
Meanwhile, Professor Kweku Asare, who is a fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-Ghana) has applauded the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo for the recent media engagement.
He is also encouraging her to organize more of such events to bring the judicial system closer to the doorstep of Ghanaians.
"I welcome this and commend the Chief Justice for the initiative. The ability of the court to fulfil its core mission and perform its function basically depends on public trust and confidence.
"...and at the time when, in my opinion, public trust and confidence are at a low end, it is really important and an excellent idea for the Chief Justice to show up and speak to the people.
"I will advise her to do more rather than less of that," he said.
Latest Stories
-
Livestream: Newsfile discusses galamsey menace amid rising protests and looming strikes
2 mins -
2024/25 GPL match preview: FC Samartex seeks redemption against Karela United
8 mins -
Michael Baidoo is on the Black Stars radar – Otto Addo
25 mins -
30 benefit from G-WAC modelling for pandemic preparedness and response short course
55 mins -
I apologise for saying no Heaven without tithe – Adeboye
58 mins -
KNUST TCC offers support for commercialization of research findings
1 hour -
Richard Obeng Mensah: The unwilling Ghana?
1 hour -
Implementation gaps hinder business climate in 50 economies – World Bank
2 hours -
Serial rapist in South Africa gets 42 life sentences
2 hours -
Let’s set high qualifying standards for presidential elections – Abu Sakara
2 hours -
No place for foreign workers being displaced in Lebanon
2 hours -
Ghanaians in Lebanon asked to evacuate amid rising crisis
7 hours -
Nana Kwame Bediako unveils Maryam Issaka Kriese as running mate
8 hours -
How a stale A$17.50 cookie sparked a social media storm
10 hours -
Catholic Church to lead protest walk against galamsey on Oct. 11
10 hours