In a recent development, the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has issued a directive to all judges regarding the jurisdiction of police prosecutors in handling cases. This directive comes in response to a letter from the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, indicating that police prosecutors are now restricted from prosecuting cases with a monetary value exceeding GH¢500,000.
The Attorney-General's communication specified that cases exceeding this limit should be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for further review and guidance. This move aims to ensure that cases of significant monetary value receive appropriate attention and scrutiny.
In light of this new directive, the Director of Public Prosecutions raised concerns about instances where lower court judges were unaware of these limits. This prompted the Attorney-General to take action and issue a directive to ensure compliance among judges.
Following this directive, the Chief Justice has duly informed judges to take note and strictly adhere to it. This proactive measure seeks to uphold the integrity and effectiveness of the judicial process.
In a communication to the judges, the Chief Justice stated, "I write with reference to the attached letter from the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice dated 7th February 2024 on the above-mentioned subject. The Attorney-General is by the said letter notifying the Service that, Police Prosecutors have been directed to prosecute cases with a monetary value not exceeding the amount of GH¢500,000.00. The letter further indicates that any case with a monetary value above this limit must be referred to the Office of the Attorney-General for study and advice."
This directive underscores the importance of adherence to legal protocols and the need for clarity in jurisdictional matters. It is imperative for judges to be well-informed about such guidelines to ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice.
As we move forward, it is essential for all stakeholders within the judicial system to uphold these directives in order to maintain transparency and uphold the rule of law. This collaborative effort between the judiciary and the Office of the Attorney General serves to strengthen our legal framework and ultimately uphold justice in our society.
-source myjoyonline | curated by Tetteh Belinda | Ghana Crimes
