The verdict involving two teenagers charged with conspiracy and murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdella has been deferred again due to the strike action by jurors.
The strike which began on May 16 is to protest unpaid allowances spanning 10 months.
The trial which is in its final stages has been delayed due to continuous adjournments. What remains to be done as far as this case is concerned is closing addresses by the prosecution and defendant’s lawyers as well as the summing up by the judge for the jury to conclude and present their verdict.
The case has however suffered two adjournmentsso far: first on May 7 and then subsequently on June 24.
When the case was called on Monday, July 8, the jurors were once again absent from court, staying the hand of the judge from progressing on that front.
The 18-year-old second accused made his first appearance after being transferred into prison custody by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
The 15-year-old first accused was however absent despite his lawyers informing the court that he was enroute.
A senior State Attorney notified the court that family of the deceased had been bereaved and hence could not be present in the court and prayed for an adjournment.
The judge granted the request and adjourned proceedings to July 23.
Other cases impacted by the jurors’ strike include the murder trial of former Abuakwa North MP, J.B Danquah, Gregory Afoko case and the Abessim murder trial.
By Laud Adu-Asare
