In a significant development underscoring the commitment to upholding the rights of suspects and ensuring timely access to justice, 12 suspects who had been languishing in custody for several years without trial have been discharged following revelations of prolonged delays in their prosecution.
Among the cases highlighted were instances of extended remand periods, with some individuals spending close to a decade behind bars awaiting resolution of their cases.
The discharges, which included accused individuals facing charges ranging from murder to theft, came as a result of an extensive review that exposed systemic gaps leading to egregious delays in bringing these cases to trial.
Evidencing a departure from the legal provisions stipulating swift judicial processes, it was revealed that some detainees had made infrequent appearances in court since their arrest, raising concerns over their prolonged detention without due process.
Guided by the constitutional safeguards enshrined in Article 14 pertaining to personal liberty and the imperative of avoiding arbitrary deprivation of freedoms, the discharge of the individuals underscored the paramount importance of expeditious adjudication and adherence to fair trial standards.
The judicial intervention, led by Justice Kofi Akuffo, exemplified the judiciary’s commitment to rectifying instances of undue delay and ensuring that justice is not unduly delayed or denied.
Among the released detainees was Kwabena Nyarko, who had been in custody since 2016 despite being granted bail in 2017 but unable to fulfill the financial conditions.
Similarly, cases like that of Kofi Afum, accused of murder, and Samuel Owusu Addo, held for nearly 11 years without tangible progress in their proceedings, epitomized the challenges confronting those caught in the quagmire of protracted legal limbo.
The proactive approach taken by the judiciary, including initiatives such as the Justice for All program designed to expedite hearings for inmates facing prolonged detention without trial, represents a crucial step towards rectifying miscarriages of justice and safeguarding the fundamental rights of individuals entangled in the criminal justice system.
While acknowledging lingering challenges, stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued efforts to streamline legal processes and ensure equitable access to justice for all.
By Vincent Kubi