The Upper East Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Jaladeen Abdulai, has called on the public to prioritise the use of the courts in the pursuit of justice, particularly in criminal matters.
He made the remarks in an interview following a one-day training workshop organised by the Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity in crime and court reporting.
The workshop, held on Monday, May 4, in Bolgatanga, brought together media practitioners to deepen their understanding of legal processes and ethical reporting standards.
Lawyer Abdulai explained that although Ghana’s legal system allows for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such approaches are largely appropriate for civil matters—particularly those involving family and interpersonal relationships.
According to him, provisions within the Courts Act permit certain disputes to be settled outside the courtroom to help preserve relationships, especially in family-related cases. He noted, however, that the courts often retain supervisory roles by requiring parties to update them on the progress of such settlements.
He cautioned strongly against the use of informal or out-of-court settlements in criminal cases, stressing that serious offences must be addressed through the formal judicial process to ensure accountability and justice.
“Certain cases must not be settled outside the courtroom. Offences such as murder, armed robbery, and defilement require full prosecution through the courts,” he emphasised.
Lawyer Abdulai further urged the public to build confidence in the judicial system, assuring that the courts remain the most appropriate and lawful avenue for resolving disputes.
He added that strengthening public trust in the justice system is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fairness in society.
Source: BlueWaves Radio/ Maurice Duncan/ Bolgatanga
