The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame says delays in the trial of Major Maxwell Mahama is due to a dysfunctional jury system. Mr. Yeboah-Dame said the trial of the slain soldier, has triggered a decision to reform the criminal justice system, particularly the jury system.
Twelve men were convicted in the murder trial of Major Mahama on Monday January 29, 2024, and were sentenced to life imprisonment after six years of trial. The AG, said, the delay, could have been prevented, but for the jury involved.
The family of the late Major Mahama visited the A-G’s Department to thank the State for trial.
Attorney General, Mr Yeboah-Dame said the jury system, creates unnecessary delays in resolving murder cases, an example being the Major Maxwell Mahama’s case. He therefore suggested the scrapping of the jury system, to ensure speedy prosecution of murder cases
Mr. Yeboah-Dame also mentioned that, although, it took this long to conclude the trial and punish perpetrators of the crime, he hopes, it brings closure to the grieving family.
An uncle of Major Mahama, Kaleonah Tizzala while expressing appreciation to the State for the successful trial, said the Maxwell Mahama family, can now move on with their lives.
Veronica Bamford, mother of Major Mahama said, her son, was an all-round good man.
In a related development, Madam Bamford, pleaded with authorities, to allow the family of the deceased military officer, to maintain the grave site where the remains of her son lies. She said she had refused an offer by the people of Denkyira Obuasi, to name a street after her son.
