On a day when the already protracted trial involving Multimedia journalist Latif Iddrisu against the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General was set to resume at the Family Court in Accra, the Senior State Attorney handling the case failed to appear in court.
Yesterday’s absence is not an isolated incident.
The Attorney General’s representative has consistently failed to show up, often notifying the court at the last minute about her unavailability.
This pattern of absenteeism raises serious concerns about the commitment of the Attorney General’s Department to ensuring justice is served in a timely manner.
Delays and disruptions: Justice at a standstill
At the previous hearing, the trial judge, His Lordship Abass Abubakari Adams, granted ten days beginning April 2nd for the trial to proceed.
However, the Senior State Attorney requested two days off due to her unavailability.
With today’s absence, a total of three days have now been lost, all at the instance of the Attorney General’s representative.
This recurring absence not only prolongs the case but also raises suspicions of deliberate attempts to frustrate the judicial process. The continued delay denies justice to the journalist and undermines confidence in Ghana’s legal system.
Judicial frustration and press freedom concerns
When the case was called for hearing, the trial judge informed the court of the Senior State Attorney’s inability to attend, based on a letter submitted to the court earlier that morning.
In response, the judge adjourned the case to April 7th at 10 a.m., stating, “The case is adjourned at the instance of the Attorney General representative.”
This consistent pattern of delay is a troubling development that reflects poorly on the efficiency of the Attorney General’s Department.
Press freedom campaigners and democracy advocates have long expressed concerns about the slow pace of the case, describing it as a stain on Ghana’s democratic credentials.
The failure of the Attorney General’s Department to prioritize this case is particularly alarming given the brutal nature of the journalist’s assault and its implications for press freedom in the country.
A journalist’s fight for justice
Despite the frustrating delays, Latif Iddrisu remains determined to see the case through.
He was present in court, arriving well ahead of the scheduled proceedings, demonstrating his commitment to seeking justice.
His resolve underscores the urgent need for accountability within Ghana’s security agencies.
The case dates back to March 2017, when Latif Iddrisu was assaulted while on duty by officers of the Ghana Police Service at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department.
He suffered a fractured skull after one of the officers struck him in the head with the butt of his gun.
The urgent need for accountability
The Attorney General’s Department’s continuous absence in court is unacceptable.
It not only delays justice for Latif Iddrisu but also sends a dangerous message about the government’s commitment to press freedom and human rights.
A functional democracy relies on a legal system that operates with integrity and urgency.
The authorities must take immediate steps to ensure that the Attorney General’s Department treats this case with the seriousness it deserves.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and in this instance, the delays are eroding public confidence in the judicial system.
The people of Ghana deserve better. So does Latif Iddrisu.
