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Tag: Jurors

  • A/R: Jurors’ strike delays proceedings for Otumfuo’s Akyempimhene murder case, 8 others

    A/R: Jurors’ strike delays proceedings for Otumfuo’s Akyempimhene murder case, 8 others

    The murder case involving Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s Akyempimhene and eight other murder and rape cases being heard at the High Court in Kumasi have been halted due to a strike by jurors in the Ashanti region.

    The jurors have stopped court proceedings once again due to unpaid allowances.

    They previously went on strike in November 2023 for several weeks but returned to work after Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo promised to resolve their arrears following a meeting in Kumasi.

    Despite assurances of timely payments, the issue remains unresolved months later. Jurors are now on strike over outstanding allowances dating from August 2023 to May 2024, citing financial difficulties caused by the delay.

    Albert Ackah, the jurors’ spokesperson in the Ashanti region, reiterated their plea for prompt payment “Yes, it is true that we are unable to come to court because of our allowance. Our allowances always delay until we take action before we receive our allowance. This is not good; it is not proper for us to always chase our allowance before we get it.

    “Today, we have nine cases and because we couldn’t come due to non-payment of our allowance, the cases couldn’t come on. So please, I am appealing to the government to release money to the judicial service, so that they can pay their jurors so that they can return to court. Nobody ever should say that it is the jurors who delay the cases.

    “So, this small, tiny allowance that we receive here, why always we need to follow, talk until these allowances are received?

    During her previous meeting with jurors, Chief Justice Torkornoo suggested they use their salaries from other jobs to cover transportation costs, as many are public sector retirees. However, jurors argue their roles as jurors and their personal finances should be distinct, emphasizing the need for prompt allowance payments.

    “Most of them were in the jury system before they retired. They are receiving only a retirement package, or better still, their pension salary. They are using this money to upkeep their houses and their homes.”

  • JB killer’s trial: Court anticipates a hopeful return of jurors of June 10

    JB killer’s trial: Court anticipates a hopeful return of jurors of June 10

    The continuation of Daniel Asiedu’s testimony in the case involving the murder of Joseph Boakye (JB) Danquah Adu has been rescheduled for June 10, pending the return of the jurors.

    Since May 16, 2024, all indictable cases, including those of murder and treason felony, have come to a standstill due to a jury strike prompted by unpaid allowances spanning over 10 months.

    During the court session held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the jurors were conspicuously absent from Daniel Asiedu’s trial.

    Asiedu, also known as Sexy Don Don, was slated to proceed with his oral evidence as part of his defense against the charges.

    Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, while adjourning the case, expressed optimism that the jurors would reconvene by June 10, thereby facilitating the progression of the trial.

    Present at the court session were Asiedu and his legal team, led by Lawyer Yaw Dankwah, while Mrs. Sefakor Batse, a Principal State Attorney, represented the republic.

    Asiedu maintains his plea of not guilty to charges of murder and robbery as the trial carries on.

    The prosecution has thus far presented eight witnesses.

  • Jurors declare nationwide strike over 10 months unpaid allowances

    Jurors declare nationwide strike over 10 months unpaid allowances

    Jurors nationwide have declared an indefinite strike, effective immediately, due to the non-payment of their allowances. 

    Their decision has been necessitated by 10 months unpaid allowance by the government (dating back to February 2023, along with unpaid allowances from July 2023 to May 2024). 

    In a statement, the jurors highlighted the significant financial burden they have faced due to the lack of these payments.

    “This situation has made it practically impossible for us to continue to pre-finance our transportation to and from the court premises,” portions of the statement read.

     

    The jurors also highlighted that despite their commitment to the justice system, the lack of financial support has left them with no choice but to halt their duties.

    The jurors noted that while they were promised payment in May, follow-ups revealed that no funds are currently available. 

    The ten-month backlog of unpaid allowances has significantly strained their personal finances, compelling them to take this drastic step.

    “We regret any inconvenience our absence may have on the expeditious delivery of justice,” the jurors added, acknowledging the potential impact on court proceedings. 

    Their absence is expected to cause delays and disruptions in the judicial process, affecting the timely delivery of justice.

  • Ashanti Regional jurors call off strike after engagement with CJ

    Ashanti Regional jurors call off strike after engagement with CJ

    Jurors in the Ashanti region have decided to end their strike after a meeting with Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

    The jurors, who had been absent from court proceedings since November 6, were seeking the payment of their 15-month allowance arrears.

    Following the meeting at the Court of Appeal complex in Kumasi, Justice Torkornoo acknowledged the common occurrence of delayed allowances in the public service. She assured the jurors that proactive measures would be taken to prevent undue delays in the future.

    “While it is not unusual for allowances in public service to come late, we will take steps to do whatever we need to do to make sure that we don’t allow it to come later,” the Chief Justice assured.

    Justice Torkornoo appealed to the jurors to consider their larger responsibility to the country and continue serving to facilitate the expeditious delivery of justice.

    She emphasized the need for a balanced perspective, urging them to think about the impact on remanded prisoners, the costs associated with bringing people to court, and the challenges faced by those on bail.

    “For those of you who work in the public sector, you’re receiving your salaries. Ghana is paying you for whichever institution you’re working in, then Ghana will give you more money for coming here, and you say you won’t come here because your allowance has been delayed? I put it to you that this is not fair,” Justice Torkornoo remarked.

    “Think of the remanded prisoners. Think of the cost of bringing people to court. Think of those who are on bail, the trauma of having to keep coming to court. Think of all these people. So, come back to work tomorrow,” she added.

    After the engagement, Albert Ackah, the Foreman General of jurors in Ashanti, expressed satisfaction with the Chief Justice’s commitment to ensuring the timely payment of allowances.

    He stated, “We have agreed to resume our services.”

    “We are excited about her resolve to ensure our allowances are paid on time. This was what we were expecting long ago. For travelling all the way to Kumasi to engage us, that alone is a relief. So on Monday, we are coming to court.”