Attorney-General Raises Concerns Over Jury Trial Following Afoko’s Verdict
Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame has expressed concerns over the jury system in Ghana following a recent high-profile verdict.
It will be recalled that Gregory Afoko and Asabke Alangdi have been on trial since 2015 for the murder of the Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Adams Mahama.
He died of acid burns.
The duo was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder at the Accra High Court.
After years of trial, the jury in the case, on Thursday, April 27, delivered a verdict that the Attorney-General says highlights the severe challenges with the jury system in Ghana.
In the case at hand, the court ordered a retrial of Gregory Afoko, who has been on trial for over six years in relation to Alhaji Mahama’s death.
Asabke Alangdi, his said accomplice, was sentenced to death by hanging.
A not guilty verdict of 4-3 was passed in the murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges against Gregory Afoko.
However, a unanimous verdict on the charge of conspiracy to commit murder against Asabke Alangdi, and a not guilty verdict of 4-3 on the murder charge faced by the second accused person was passed.
This verdict, according to the Attorney-General, raises serious concerns.
Therefore, he assured the public that steps were being taken to remedy this challenge.
A statement from the Attorney-General said the proposed remedy includes amending many parts of the criminal procedure laws of Ghana.
The Attorney-General urged members of the public, including lawyers, to be guided accordingly and to desist from comments that may jeopardize the sound and efficient administration of justice.
Below is a statement to that effect