The media has been barred from making commentary on the ongoing Ambulance case trial. Presiding judge Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe, who issued the order said she is concerned that some media outlets have engaged in commentary that borders on contempt of court, potentially influencing the integrity of the evidence presented in the trial.
The order aims to prevent further potentially prejudicial media coverage and ensure a fair trial. Before issuing the gag order, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe expressed her concerns about the commentary made by lawyers, both those involved in the case and those not involved, which she deemed potentially prejudicial.
Additionally, she took issue with media interviews granted by Richard Jakpa, the third accused person in the case, which she believed may compromise the integrity of the trial. The judge’s order aims to prevent further commentary that could potentially sway the case’s outcome.
The judge acknowledged that the Ghanaian public has the opportunity to stay informed about the case through media coverage and the live streaming of the court proceedings, emphasizing that this access allows them to follow the case in real-time, while also underscoring the need for responsible reporting and commentary to ensure a fair trial.
The court highlights that the proceedings are being broadcast live, allowing anyone to witness the trial firsthand. Therefore, the court suggests that it is unnecessary for anyone to provide analysis or commentary at this stage. Instead, individuals can choose to watch the proceedings live and form their own opinions, refraining from making judgments on the matter until the trial’s conclusion.