Being fast doesn’t mean perverting justice – Srem-Sai challenges critics to prove manipulation

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has responded to critics who argue that the government's push for speedy trials is being manipulated to serve partisan interests. He maintains that merely moving cases quickly does not equate to corrupting the justice system. "Because if you say by being fast, being fast alone doesn’t mean that you are perverting the course of justice," he stated on Joy News' PM Express.

This response comes amidst controversy over the handling of cases during the legal vacation, with concerns raised by the Ghana Bar Association and defense lawyers.

Justice Srem-Sai dismissed the notion that superior courts cannot conduct trials during the legal vacation, arguing that vacation judges can still serve while having their own vacation time. He explained that vacation judges are permitted to take their vacation like any other judge, but may handle urgent matters from other courts during their allotted vacation period. According to him, this approach prevents judges from being sidelined for extended periods, making it unfeasible for critics to claim it's manipulative.

He also pointed to the Takoradi Girls case as evidence of trials being held during the legal vacation, despite protests from defense counsel. Srem-Sai rejected the idea that lawyers need to agree on how cases should proceed during this period, asserting that it would undermine the judiciary's independence. He emphasized that the interests of parties in a case often differ, emphasizing the judges' role in balancing those interests.

Acknowledging the preference for slower proceedings among defense lawyers, especially in criminal cases, Srem-Sai explained that evidence can deteriorate over time, making prompt trials crucial. He also addressed allegations of the government trying to expedite high-profile cases to gain political favor. Srem-Sai argued that political and constitutional interests can align, citing the constitutional provision for a "fair and speedy trial" (Article 19(1)).

Regarding claims that the government is manipulating the legal vacation to achieve this aim, Justice Srem-Sai challenged critics to provide evidence to support their assertion. He pointed out that Chief Justice's decision to establish vacation courts is consistent with a long-standing practice. He further argued that if the vacation were being manipulated specifically to fast-track selected cases, other cases wouldn't be allowed to proceed.