Speaking on Happy FM’s ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ political show, the deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and an astute lawyer, Nana Obiri Boahene stated that, “there are delays in solving criminal cases because witnesses fear for their lives.”
Citing the case of Late J.B Danquah- a politician- and the late Josephine Asante- the Marketing and Public Affairs Manager at the Tema Port- as typical examples. He made this statement in light of recent murders in the country.
According to him, it is next to impossible to get witnesses and informants to help the police in criminal investigations as they fear for their lives.
“Most Ghanaians fear to come forward as witnesses to crimes because they fear their identities will be revealed by the Police and their safety put in jeopardy should they come forward to report and testify as witnesses against perpetrators of crimes committed in the country,” he added.
He said, if the safety of these witnesses can be assured as done in most western countries by placing them under protective custody, these witnesses will be willing to come forward and crimes will be solved much quickly.
By: Joel Sanco