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The High Court in Wa has postponed the case concerning the murder of Eric Johnson, the former CEO of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel (Jirapa Dubai), to July 12, 2024.
Justice Abdul Yusif Assibey, the supervising High Court Judge, announced that the delay allows Chief Justice Gertrude Tokornoo time to consider transferring the case from Wa to a High Court in Kumasi.
Justice Assibey indicated that the Chief Justice’s office had received numerous petitions regarding the transfer of the case involving the Republic versus Elisha Mahama and two others, necessitating thorough consultations.
He also mentioned that his office had sent a situational report to the Chief Justice and was awaiting a response.
An order notice has been issued by the Chief Justice to transfer the case to Kumasi, which has sparked concerns among some Upper West Region residents, especially in Jirapa, who fear a miscarriage of justice if the transfer occurs.
Luanga Bagonluri, the lawyer for the second and third accused, petitioned the Chief Justice against moving the case, arguing that justice would be better served if it remained in Wa. Conversely, Clement Eledi, the lawyer for the first accused, supported the transfer to Kumasi.
Principal State Attorney Saeed Abdul Shakuur raised concerns about moving the case, noting that all witnesses reside in the Upper West Region. He highlighted the logistical and financial challenges of transporting witnesses to Kumasi.
Shakuur emphasized that under Ghanaian law, only a Prosecutor or State Attorney can request a case transfer.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa following the court proceedings, Cletus Dapilah, the Member of Parliament for Jirapa Constituency, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the case. “We feel very sad that a matter like this will have to be played with or toyed with by the Chief Justice,” he stated.
Dr. Alex Bokumah, a Jirapa native, said that residents had also petitioned against the transfer and questioned the delay in the Chief Justice’s decision. “We think that powers are being used arbitrarily and capriciously and we are completely disgusted. We don’t think that is the right way to go,” he remarked.
