Sosu wants protection of judges increased following accidental shooting in court

Madina lawmaker, Francis Xavier Sosu has filed an urgent question in Parliament asking the Minister of Justice and Attorney General to explain to the House the measures that have been introduced to protect judges in the country.

His question follows the accidental discharge of fireman by a prison officer in court.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday February 25, Sosu said “In the course of the week there was an unfortunate incident where a prison officer accidently discharged firearm in court, and for which reason, I filed an urgent question to the Minister of Justice and Attorney general to tell the house steps being taken to ensure safety of all our courts across the country in the light of the said accidental discharge of the firearm.

“My checks indicate that the question has been admitted but it hasn’t been programmed for next week even though I think it is a very urgent matter.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has  said investigations are underway into the incident that occurred on Wednesday February 23.

A statement issued by Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo, Judicial Secretary on behalf of the Chief Justice said this is the first time such an incident has occurred hence has caused fear and panic.

“This is the first time such an incident has occurred within the courts thus likely to cause fear and panic. However, the general public is informed that thorough investigations are underway while security measures are being put in place to avoid recurrence,” the statement said.

A gunshot was accidently fired in an Accra High Court on Wednesday February 23. The situation brought proceedings at the Criminal Court 5 to an abrupt end.

The shooting occurred from the weapon of a prison warden who was guarding a suspect, according to reports.

The officer was badly injured and had been rushed to the court clinic for medical attention.

The presiding judge at Criminal Court 5, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo suspended proceedings and reportedly, ran away for her dear life.

By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana