- Eric Johnson's murder case adjourned to July 12, 2024.
- Chief Justice considers transferring case to Kumasi.
- Transfer raises miscarriage of justice concerns.
- Lawyers disagree on transfer.
A High Court in Wa has adjourned the murder case of Eric Johnson, former CEO of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel (Jirapa Dubai), to July 12, 2024.
Justice Abdul Yusif Assibey, the supervising High Court Judge, made the decision to allow for broader consultation by Chief Justice Gertrude Tokornoo on transferring the case from Wa to a High Court in Kumasi.
The Court received information from the Chief Justice’s office that numerous petitions had been received regarding the transfer, and a decision was pending. Justice Assibey stated that his outfit had written a situational report to the Chief Justice’s office and was awaiting a response.
The Chief Justice had served a notice for the transfer of the case from Wa to Kumasi, which raised concerns among the Upper West Region’s residents, particularly in Jirapa, about a potential miscarriage of justice.
Mr. Luanga Bagonluri, the lawyer for the second and third accused, petitioned the Chief Justice against transferring the case, arguing that justice would be better served in Wa. On the other hand, Mr. Clement Eledi, the lawyer for the first accused, believed that justice would be well-served if the case were transferred to Kumasi.
Principal State Attorney Saeed Abdul Shakuur expressed concerns about the transfer, citing the risk and cost implications of transporting witnesses to and from Kumasi. He also noted that, according to Ghanaian law, only a Prosecutor or State Attorney could request a case transfer.
The case’s adjournment has sparked reactions from the Jirapa community, with Member of Parliament Cletus Dapilah and Dr. Alex Bokumah expressing disappointment and petitioning the Chief Justice against the transfer.
