Ghana’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, has assured Ghanaians that tribunals under the current administration would respect and uphold the fundamental human rights of all citizens.
Speaking on the role of tribunals in the justice system, Attorney General Dominic Ayine emphasized that tribunals would operate within the boundaries of Ghana’s constitution and the laws of the country, ensuring fair and just legal proceedings.
Dominic Ayine responded to ongoing discussions regarding the historical abuses associated with tribunals, particularly during the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era. While some have argued that traditional tribunals are better suited to serve the needs of the people, the Attorney General refuted this claim, pointing out that many of the same issues that plagued the tribunals during the PNDC era are still present in the formal court system.
One notable case Attorney General Dominic Ayine mentioned was that of Gregory Afoko, who has been detained for a prolonged period. Although Afoko was tried by an ordinary court rather than a public tribunal, Dominic Ayine highlighted that his rights were still grossly violated, as evidenced by his ongoing detention without a clear resolution regarding his release.
“Gregory Afoko was not tried by a public tribunal. He was tried by an ordinary court. And yet his rights have been grossly abused,” Dominic Ayine stated, underlining the continued struggles for justice within the formal court system.
Mr. Ayine reassured the public that tribunals would operate in line with the Constitution’s human rights chapter and the Criminal and Other Offences Procedure Act (Act 30), which governs criminal procedures in Ghana.
He emphasized that the government would ensure that tribunals, while playing a role in justice, would not replicate past mistakes or undermine the rights of individuals.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dominic Ayine further noted that some cases are still pending, and his ministry remains committed to ensuring justice is served in accordance with Ghana’s legal framework, protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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