Some residents of Jirapa have petitioned Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo over the transfer of the case involving the murder of the owner of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, Mr Eric Johnson, from the Upper West region to the Ashanti region.
Ahead of his burial on Saturday, a group called Concerned Youth of Jirapa made up of family members, elders of the town, market women, persons with disabilities, and tricycle operators, have expressed extreme anger over Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo’s directive to transfer the case.
They, therefore, called on her to rescind her decision, urging her to do so not only in the interest of the accused but also the many people of Jirapa whose interest hinged on the case involving a man they described as an oak tree and light to many.
John Apolo, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the new development in the trial is of great concern and has cast a shadow on the fair delivery of justice.
“As aggrieved citizens seeking justice and fairness, we believe that justice must be done in this case. As you reckoned, the jury has already been constituted/ empanelled in the Wa High Court and is ready to hear the case.
“The transfer could further delay and undermine the integrity of the judicial process. This is unjust and prejudicial, and we register our resentment as members of the deceased family,” he said.
They added that due to their interest in the case, they would love to follow it keenly by appearing at each sitting, but a transfer would come at a great cost to them.
They further threatened to take a step that would not favour the current government.
Three people, including a former HR manager of the resort, were standing trial for the murder of Mr Johnson at the Wa High Court in the Upper West region.
Principal State Attorney Saed Abdul Shakuur said the prosecution was ready to commence the trial with 11 witnesses when the court stopped proceedings to authenticate a letter presented by the lawyer of the first accused.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to June 12, 2024.
Mr Johnson was murdered on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at his residence.