The High Court in Wa has postponed the trial of the murder case involving Eric Johnson, the former CEO of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel (Jirapa Dubai), to July 12, 2024. The decision was made to allow Chief Justice Gertrude Tokornoo to conduct broader consultations on potentially transferring the case from Wa to a High Court in Kumasi.
Justice Abdul Yusif Assibey, the Supervising High Court Judge, explained that they received numerous petitions regarding the transfer of the case and needed more time to make a decision. The Chief Justice had issued an order notice for the transfer, causing concern among residents in the Upper West Region, particularly Jirapa.
Lawyers representing the accused individuals expressed differing views on the transfer. While one believed justice would be better served if the case remained in Wa, another argued for a transfer to Kumasi. The Principal State Attorney in the Upper West Region also raised concerns about the logistical challenges and costs of moving witnesses to Kumasi for court sittings.
Members of the Jirapa community, including the Member of Parliament and a native, voiced their discontent with the delays and uncertainty surrounding the case. They expressed concerns about potential miscarriages of justice and urged the Chief Justice to prioritize the interests of the people. The decision whether to transfer the case will have significant implications for the outcome and fairness of the trial.
