AG urges new board of Law Reform Commission to review Criminal Procedure Act

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged the newly inaugurated board of the Law Reform Commission to present a proposal that will lead to a review of the current Criminal Procedure Act, Act 30.

“It will be refreshing to receive a proposal for a review of the current Criminal Procedure Act, Act 30, in a manner as to aid in a real expeditious determination of summary trials,” Mr. Dame said during the inauguration of the nine-member governing board of the Law Reform Commission.

He explained: “I consider the tendency for a summary trial to stay in a trial court for upwards of four years as unhealthy and defeatist of the constitutional imperative for a fair hearing with reasonable time in Article 19 (1) of the Constitution.

In addition, the AG mentioned that the bill to amend the law on Occupier’s Liability is at the stage of stakeholder engagements pending enactment.

The nine-member board of the commission is chaired by private legal practitioner, Akoto Ampaw. The rest are Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, Justice Yonny Kulendi, Ms. Anita Heyman Ababio, Mr. Henry Kwesi Prempeh, Dr. Ernest Owusu Dapaa, Ms. Naa Odofoley Nortey, Ms. Ellen Bannerman-Achiampong and Mr. Bright Okyere Adjekm.

The Chairperson of the board stated that the Commission would need GHC 1.5 million in the short term to meet its needs.

Mr. Dame however suggested that in order to solve the financial difficulty of the Commission, a Law Reform Fund should be established in accordance with section 10 of Act 822.

“I will work with the board to ensure the immediate establishment of the fund and the contribution of a significant amount by the government as seed money,” he said.