There’s nothing wrong; NDC’s interest aligns with the constitution – Deputy AG defends push for speedy trials

Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government's push for speedy trials, asserting that the position aligns with constitutional requirements for prompt legal proceedings. Speaking to Joy News' PM Express, Justice Srem-Sai rejected claims that the government aims to manipulate the legal vacation to secure favorable outcomes in cases involving former officials.

He emphasized that the NDC's interests can coincide with constitutional demands, citing the constitution's mandate for swift trials. The deputy AG explained that judges assigned to vacation courts can still handle substantive cases, as long as they continue their responsibilities outside the vacation period. He disputed claims that trials during the legal vacation are unprecedented, providing examples like the Takoradi Girls case, which proceeded despite objections from defense counsel.

Justice Srem-Sai also rejected the notion that lawyers must agree on trial speeds, arguing that judicial oversight is needed due to potential competing interests. He acknowledged that defense lawyers might prefer slower proceedings, especially when evidence quality declines over time, but maintained that the Constitution mandates speedy trials.

The deputy AG specifically referenced Article 19(1), which guarantees every accused person a fair and speedy trial. He dismissed allegations that speeding up proceedings equates to perverting justice, emphasizing that evidence will determine the validity of such claims. Justice Srem-Sai reaffirmed that assigning vacation judges is a standard practice, with decades of precedent in the country.