In a recent development at the High Court in Accra, the fate of two teenagers standing trial for the death of an 11-year-old boy in Kasoa has been deferred for the third time due to the absence of jurors. This delay is a result of the jurors' declaration of an indefinite strike over unpaid allowances, which has now extended for seven weeks.
The jurors, who have been on strike since May 16, 2024, are demanding payment for a 10-month unpaid allowance, with June marking the 11th month. While four months of their allowances have been settled, the jurors remain steadfast in their decision not to return to duty until they receive full payment.
As a consequence of the jurors' absence, the presiding judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, was compelled to adjourn the case to July 23, 2024. This adjournment marks the third time that the judgment has been deferred, with previous dates set for May 7 and June 24, 2024.
The case involves an 18-year-old young offender, the second accused, and a 15-year-old juvenile, the first accused, who are standing trial for the murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdella in Kasoa. The first accused, a juvenile, was notably absent during the latest adjournment despite indications from his counsel that he would be present in court.
The trial has seen significant developments, with the second accused concluding his defense on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2924. State Prosecutors led by Senior State Attorney Nana Adoma Osei presented seven witnesses, including the father, mother, and sister of the 15-year-old juvenile.
While the juvenile has admitted to the offense and acknowledged committing the crime, the young offender has denied the charges of conspiracy and murder.
The prolonged delay in reaching a verdict underscores the impact of the jurors' strike on the judicial process. As the case remains adjourned until July 23, 2024, the resolution of this trial continues to be hindered by external factors. The legal community awaits a swift resolution to this matter as it navigates through these unprecedented challenges.
-source Starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
