Ghana’s Jurors Abandon Cases

Jurors in Ghana have laid down their tools after the government failed to settle their 10-month allowance in arrears.

In a notice, the group said the decision was informed by the non-payment which has taken a significant toll on their daily ferry to their work places.

“We wish to respectfully bring to your attention that effective Thursday, May 16, 2024, jurors will be absent from jury duties. The absence is due to the non-payment of our allowance for February 2023 and from July 2023 to May 2024, (10 months allowance in arrears).”

According to their notice, they were promised payment in May; however, the government has reneged.

“We were promised May and upon follow up we have been told there is no money…This situation has made it practically impossible for us to continue to pre-finance our transportation to and from court premises.”

Acknowledging the impact the industrial action will have on the delivery of justice across the country including cases like the Joseph Boakye Danquah murder trial, Gregory Afoko trial and the alleged Kasoa teenage killers murder trial, the group served their regret.

“We regret any inconvenience our absence may have on the expeditious delivery of justice. With the announcement of their strike, indictable court cases will be heavily affected since jurors will not be present for the hearings”