Accra: Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has expressed support for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie's decision to permit certain criminal trials to proceed during the legal vacation.
According to Ghana Web, Manasseh Azure shared his views on his Facebook page on August 6, 2026, emphasizing the importance of preventing delays in corruption-related cases. He acknowledged the pressure judges face but argued that judicial rest should not hinder the courts from ensuring swift trials, particularly in cases related to corruption.
Azure highlighted his experiences witnessing the exhaustion judges endure in Ghana's courts. While he supports judicial vacations for necessary rest, he proposed that corruption trials should even occur on weekends and Christmas Day. He cautioned against accused individuals exploiting legal delays to evade accountability, a tactic he noted has been used in the past.
He further argued that individuals confident in their innocence should welcome expedited trials to clear their names. Azure urged the judiciary to intensify efforts for quicker trials, emphasizing the need for a system capable of effectively addressing public accountability cases in Ghana.
The Chief Justice has authorized Francis Achibonga and Audrey Kocuvie-Tay to continue with case management and trials during the legal vacation, specifically focusing on Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) cases.