The Office of the Attorney General in Ghana has expressed disappointment over the failure of lawyers representing Vera, a pregnant protester, to disclose her pregnancy during her bail hearing.
Vera, who is four months pregnant, was arrested during a Democracy Hub demonstration and remanded in custody for two weeks.
Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah emphasized that lawyers have a responsibility to inform the court of their client’s pregnancy. This information could have influenced the court’s decision on bail, as pregnancy is a crucial factor to consider.
Yeboah clarified that while the law requires disclosure of pregnancy during sentencing, there’s no explicit requirement during bail applications. However, disclosing such information could impact the court’s decision.
Vera’s lawyers neglected their duty to disclose her condition, depriving the court of vital information. Yeboah criticized this oversight, stating that lawyers must provide evidence of pregnancy to aid the court’s decision-making.
The Deputy Attorney General stressed that the court cannot independently verify pregnancy details. It’s the lawyer’s role to provide this information.
Yeboah confirmed that he checked with attorneys present in court and found that Vera’s pregnancy was not mentioned. He also contacted the CID to verify if Vera disclosed her pregnancy during arrest, but received no confirmation.
This development raises concerns about the treatment of pregnant women in custody and the importance of disclosing critical health information during legal proceedings.
The Attorney General’s office expects lawyers to prioritize their clients’ well-being and disclose relevant information. Yeboah’s statements highlight the need for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s justice system.
