Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe, the judge presiding over the criminal case involving Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, has prohibited media commentary on the ongoing proceedings.
This decision aims to prevent borderline contemptuous comments on the evidence submitted in court.
Before issuing the order, Justice Asare Botwe expressed concern over remarks made by lawyers involved and uninvolved in the case, as well as media interviews granted by the third accused, Richard Jakpa. The judge emphasized the need to maintain the court’s sanctity.
Justice Asare Botwe highlighted that the Ghanaian public has the privilege of following the case through media reports and live-streamed proceedings.
She noted, “The court notes that the proceedings are being streamed live and anyone can log on and observe the proceedings.”
The judge underscored the importance of refraining from analysis or comments that could prejudice the case.
She declared, “No lawyer or any person shall make any comment bordering on the weight of the evidence adduced or yet to be adduced or make any comment that will prejudice this case.”
