GRi in Court Ghana 29 - 11 - 2000
President’s accident case moves to high
court
Rawlings swears in two Supreme Court judges
President’s accident case moves to high
court
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 November 2000
The case of the driver and his mate accused of causing the accident involving the presidential motorcade last month was on Tuesday transferred to the high court for trial.
This is because the circuit tribunal, which has been hearing the preliminary charges, says it has no jurisdiction over the case.
For the third time the tribunal, presided over by Mr Ziblim Moru, refused the accused persons, Driver Daniel Dawutey Chakitey 30 and his mate Samuel Cudjoe, bail when they re-appeared on Tuesday.
Chakitey has been charged with manslaughter and negligently causing harm. His mate Cudjoe is charged with abetting. Their plea has not been taken and the case has been rescheduled for December 5 at a higher court.
"Counsel may go up in their quest for bail at the higher court as it is the only court that has jurisdiction to try a case of indictment of the offence the accused persons are facing," said Mr Moru.
At the last adjourned date, defence counsel Mr John Klu and Mr T. J. Kumi, said the continued detention of their clients violates their constitutional rights.
Chief Inspector Edward Antwi said at the earlier hearing that Chakitey, driving an Urvan mini bus on October 29, crossed the presidential convoy on the motorway without caution, causing a fatal accident in which four presidential guards were killed.
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Rawlings swears in two Supreme Court judges
Accra (Greater Accra) 29 November 2000
President Jerry John Rawlings on Tuesday swore in two Supreme Court judges and congratulated them on their appointment.
Mr. Justice George Lamptey and Mr Justice Theodore Adzoe took the judicial oath and the oath of allegiance before the President who handed them their parchments of office.
Mr. Nathan Quao, an adviser to the President appealed to the judges to do their best to raise the image of the judiciary.
''There has been criticism, both legitimate and illegitimate. So, in your own small way, try and raise the image of the judiciary'', he said
Mr. Justice Adzoe spoke about delays in courts and said, ''this is causing a lot of concern adding, "the delays are caused by litigants, judges and lawyers. They must all take the blame".
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