Srem-Sai defends Fast-Tracked trials, rejects claims of justice manipulation

By: Winifred Fosua Agyekum
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has defended the conduct of court proceedings during the legal vacation, insisting that the expeditious handling of cases does not amount to the manipulation or perversion of justice.

Justice Srem-Sai said the Constitution requires the courts to conduct trials without unnecessary delays, arguing that cases must be handled swiftly in the interest of justice.

“I want it fast, and I want it fast because the law, the Constitution, demands that we conduct trials fast, quickly, speedily. It’s a constitutional provision,” he said.

His comments come amid discussions over the legal vacation and the continued hearing of high-profile cases, including matters connected to the controversial AKSA Energy deal.

Justice Srem-Sai rejected suggestions that the involvement of different state institutions in investigations and prosecutions amounted to a turf war. He said the agencies have a common responsibility to combat corruption and ensure that criminal conduct is properly addressed.

“It is not a question of a turf war. Because the essence of all these agencies is to fight corruption and to make sure that crime does not survive in glory,” he stated.

On concerns that cases being heard during the legal vacation could amount to an abuse of judicial processes, the Deputy Attorney General challenged critics to provide evidence of manipulation.

He maintained that the speed with which cases are handled should not automatically be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to interfere with justice.

“Being fast doesn’t mean perverting justice,” Justice Srem-Sai said, challenging critics to prove claims that the judicial process was being manipulated.

He further pointed to previous instances where courts, including superior courts, have conducted trials during the legal vacation.

“There’s ample evidence even from the media. Journalists have been able to pull out several cases, instances where courts have conducted trials, superior courts have conducted trials during the legal vacation,” he explained.

Justice Srem-Sai also explained the position of judges who work during the legal vacation, noting that such judges remain entitled to their leave.

According to him, a judge assigned to work during the vacation may handle proceedings and subsequently proceed on the judge’s vacation once the courts resume their normal sitting.

“A vacation judge is also a judge who is entitled to his vacation, so when he works on vacation, what he does is that, just as the courts come back, then he goes, proceeds on his vacation,” he said.