Upper East CHRAJ Director urges public to seek justice through the courts
CHRAJ Director urges public to use courts for justice, cautions against settling criminal cases out of court
The Upper East Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Lawyer Jaladeen Abdulai, has urged the public to prioritise the use of the courts in seeking justice, particularly in criminal matters.
He made the call in an interview after a one-day training workshop organised by the Upper East Regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to enhance journalists’ capacity in crime and court reporting.
The workshop was held on Monday, May 4, in Bolgatanga.
Lawyer Abdulai explained that while Ghana’s legal framework provides room for out-of-court settlements, such mechanisms are best suited for civil disputes, especially those involving family or interpersonal disagreements.
“The Courts Act makes provision for parties to resolve certain issues outside the courtroom, mainly to preserve relationships, particularly in family-related disputes,” he said.
He added that even in such instances, the courts often maintain oversight by requiring parties to report back on the progress of their settlements.
However, he cautioned against the use of informal settlements in criminal cases, stressing that serious offences must be handled through the formal judicial system to ensure justice and accountability.
“There are cases that must not be settled out of court. Serious offences such as murder, armed robbery, and defilement should be prosecuted through the courts,” he emphasised.
Lawyer Abdulai further encouraged the public to build confidence in the judicial system, assuring that the courts remain the appropriate avenue for the fair and lawful resolution of disputes.
He noted that increased public trust in the courts would help strengthen the rule of law and promote justice in society.
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