Justice Asare Botwe bars media commentary on Ato Forson trial

The Judge presiding over the case involving Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa has barred media commentary on the ongoing criminal proceedings.

This according to Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe is related to what she believes are borderline contemptuous commentary passed on evidence submitted in court.

Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe before making the order expressed concern about commentary from lawyers both involved in the case and those not involved in the case.

The judge also raised concerns about media interviews granted by the third accused person in the case, Richard Jakpa.

The judge made the order to protect the sanctity of the court.

Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe noted that the Ghanaian public has the privilege of following the case through media reports and the live stream of the proceedings.

“The court notes that the proceedings are being streamed live and anyone can log on and observe the proceedings.

“There is no need for any analysis to be made at this time. Anyone who wants can log on have an opinion and not make any judgement on the matter.

“No lawyer or any person shall make any comment bordering on the weight of the evidence adduced or yet to be adduced or make any comment that will prejudice this case,” Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe said in court.