Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney General Designate, has assured the public that under the leadership of Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Office of the Attorney General will uphold fairness in prosecution.
According to Srem-Sai, the Office of the Attorney General will achieve this by ensuring that individuals are not placed before the courts without concrete evidence.
He emphasized that this approach would help curb the issue of prolonged trials, a challenge that has long plagued Ghana’s judicial system.
Appearing before the Vetting Committee, Dr. Srem-Sai responded to concerns about the police practice of arresting individuals before gathering sufficient evidence.
This practice often results in suspects being remanded for extended periods, sometimes years, without ever being given the opportunity to properly defend themselves. “ I think my view on this aligns perfectly with my boss’s own view.”
Dr. Srem-Sai also highlighted the critical role of judges in addressing the issue of prolonged detentions and trial delays.
He pointed out that common law grants judges significant discretion, which, if exercised properly, can help prevent unnecessary delays in justice.
“You know, in common law, the judge is the law because the judge has wide discretion. So often,… the judges have the power to stop some of these practices. If you keep bringing the person and you are not taking any steps—judges strike it out.
“But then the problem is when the judge strikes the case out, often the prosecutors will re-arrest the person nearly as they leave the courts and then re-file the case, usually before a different judge.”
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai
Drawing from his experience as a defense counsel, Dr. Srem-Sai recalled instances where cases were struck out, only for prosecutors to rearrest the accused, leading to an endless cycle of detentions.
Srem-Sai also suggested setting a limit on the number of times prosecutors can request adjournments without making progress, as a measure to prevent unnecessarily prolonged prosecutions. “… these are all options that we can have a look at and implement in our laws.”
Leveraging Technology for Judicial Efficiency
As part of his vision for judicial reforms, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai also underscored the importance of utilizing technology to improve case management and expedite legal proceedings.
He pledged to work closely with the Attorney General to integrate digital solutions into the justice system. “I will assist my boss on the use of IT to fast-track cases.”
The use of information technology in case management, he noted, could significantly reduce the backlog of cases in the courts, streamline documentation processes, and ensure real-time tracking of case progress.
He emphasized that digital transformation would not only enhance efficiency but also improve transparency and accountability in Ghana’s legal system.
Stance on Alleged Memo to Discontinue BoG Case
During the vetting process, Dr. Srem-Sai also addressed his previous comments regarding a memo allegedly sent to former Attorney General Godfred Dame, recommending the discontinuation of the trial of Dr. Johnson Asiama, the newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
Despite being pressed by the committee, he stood firm on his assertion, emphasizing that “I stand by that comment.”
However, when asked whether he could provide tangible evidence of the said memo, he explained that due to his current status, he was unable to furnish a copy of the document.
“I am unable to provide evidence of the memo because of my current status… I saw it from officials, and I saw it in my capacity as a private team.”
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai
Dr. Srem-Sai’s pledges, if realized, could mark a turning point in Ghana’s justice system.
The commitment to only prosecuting cases backed by credible evidence, coupled with judicial oversight on repeated adjournments and the adoption of digital tools, could significantly enhance the efficiency and fairness of the judicial process.
His firm stance on judicial reforms reflects a broader call for the protection of human rights, the prevention of wrongful detentions, and the promotion of a more transparent and accountable legal system.
As his vetting process progresses, many will be watching closely to see how these promises translate into actionable policies.
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