{
  "id": 8436736,
  "title": "‘Ghana Jollof’ case: Why continue to use remand to punish people? – Vera Addo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/ghana-jollof-case-why-continue-to-use-remand-to-punish-people-vera",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T10:05:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-jollof-case-why-continue-to-use-remand-to-punish-people-vera-addo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vera Abena Addo, Programmes Officer at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has expressed concern over diminishing public trust in Ghana's police service. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile regarding the 'Ghana Jollof' case, Ms Addo highlighted that the police and courts are the institutions most frequently encountered by ordinary citizens, making trust in their actions crucial. \"We need to trust our institutions,\" she emphasized. Despite the importance of these institutions in ensuring justice and safeguarding citizens' rights, public confidence in both the police and courts appears to be low. Ms Addo noted that law-enforcement and judicial bodies consistently interact with the average Ghanaian, and uncertainty about fair treatment during encounters with these entities can be alarming. \"If we don’t trust that we’ll get justice in court, if the police can even do this, when they take the person or when you are taken to another layer of our governance structure, then you expect that at least for the courts, you have the court to listen to you,\" she stated. Ms Addo was particularly critical of using remand as a method of punishment in cases involving political speech, arguing that the justice system must be cautious not to turn remand into a form of punishment prior to a verdict. She stressed that the criminal justice system must exercise particular care when handling cases involving freedom of expression and political speech, as such handling could set precedents for future governments and citizens. The uncertainty surrounding the 'Ghana Jollof' case left Ms Addo frustrated, questioning the communication methods used by authorities. She believed that transparent processes and clearly established evidence would foster public support for law-enforcement efforts. Ms Addo questioned the two-week remand of a mother of four, even when described as an essential worker, and the lack of clarity regarding the specific crime for which she was detained. She called for greater institutional accountability and fairness, stressing that the protection of individual rights should not be contingent on political affiliation or access to power. Ms Addo warned that the issue could affect anyone who encounters conflict with state institutions.",
  "summary": "The Programmes Officer at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Vera Abena Addo has raised concerns over declining public confidence in Ghana’s police service, warning that the continued erosion of trust in key state institutions could undermine public confidence in the justice system.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Livestream: Newsfile discusses Ghana Jollof case, cocaine shipment, COVID audit, constitutional reforms",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/livestream-newsfile-discusses-ghana-jollof-case-cocaine-shipment",
        "published": "2026-09-19T08:07:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Ghana Jollof case: Arresting Salomey alone won’t solve the problem - Kpebu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/ghana-jollof-case-arresting-salomey-alone-wont-solve-the-problem-kpebu",
        "published": "2026-09-19T10:19:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}