Cape Coast, April 18, 2025 — The Supervising High Court Judge for the Central Region, Justice Juliana Amono-Niezer, has called on judges, jurors, and all stakeholders in the judicial system to handle criminal cases with integrity, diligence, and fairness, underscoring the vital role justice plays in national peace and stability.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Criminal Assizes at the Cape Coast Court Complex, Justice Amono-Niezer highlighted the serious implications of criminal trials—not only for the accused and victims but also for the broader security of Ghanaian society.

“Criminal trials involve not only the lives and liberty of individuals but also have implications for societal peace and security,” she noted. “The opening of the criminal assizes is not merely a procedural formality but a powerful reaffirmation of our collective commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

Mankessim Murder Case Among Cases to Be Heard
The session began with the empanelling of jurors for three murder trials, including the high-profile Mankessim case involving the 2022 killing of Georgina Asor Botchwey, a prospective nursing student.

Justice Amono-Niezer stressed that the criminal assizes are a cornerstone of Ghana’s justice system, enabling individuals charged with serious crimes—such as murder, rape, treason, and armed robbery—to be tried fairly and expediently by both judge and jury.

She praised the work of state attorneys, police, prison officers, jurors, and media professionals, commending their dedication to impartiality and public trust.

“I do not doubt that through our collective effort guided by the principles of law… these criminal assizes will be conducted with efficiency, fairness and a profound respect for the rights of all,” she added.

Attorney-General’s Office Calls for Support
Adding to the call for integrity, Vincent Aboagye Nyinaku, Principal State Attorney at the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, emphasized the critical role of justice in maintaining national order.

“A failure to uphold the rule of law will plunge the country into chaos,” he warned, urging jurors to reject corruption and uphold justice.

Nyinaku also echoed the need for swift case disposal while appealing for increased resources to enable the Attorney-General’s office to function more effectively.

Ghana Bar Association Pledges Commitment
Also speaking at the event, Daniel Arthur, Secretary of the Central Regional Chapter of the Ghana Bar Association, pledged the legal fraternity’s unwavering commitment to justice.

“Our members will carry out their duties without fear or favour to ensure that only the guilty are punished,” he affirmed.

The 2025 Criminal Assizes aim to uphold the ideals of justice, transparency, and swift adjudication, reinforcing public confidence in Ghana’s legal institutions.