The Judiciary has expressed concern about recent news reports that the Circuit Court in Nkawie in the Ashanti Region discharged Eric Apaflo Buernortey, a teacher charged with assaulting a female student, describing them as “inaccurately misrepresented.”
Reports in sections of the media stated that the Circuit Court judge Robert Addo discharged the accused and directed the parties to reconcile on the matter, a report that misrepresented the facts.
But, the report per the proceedings of the Circuit Court that was reported was inaccurate as the Police Prosecutor instead withdrew the case prior to the Court discharging the accused.
A teacher and a student of Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School were captured in a widely circulated video engaging in a physical altercation on campus.
The incident, which sparked public outrage after the video went viral on social media, led to the arrest of the teacher, Eric Buernortey Apaflo.
In the footage, the teacher is seen repeatedly striking the female student before lifting and throwing her to the ground.
When the case came before the court, the Prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Frank Acheampong, said, “We pray to withdraw the case as I have been directed by my superiors to do so.”
The Presiding Judge, His Honour Robert Addo, upon hearing the prayer from the Prosecutor, said, “The case is hereby struck out as withdrawn.”
The Judge then proceeded to “discharge” the accused person based on the prayer to withdraw the case.
The accused was represented by Melody Christian, who was holding brief for Kwame Asiedu Basoah.
Public outcry
When the news broke, there was massive public outcry over why the presiding judge could discharge the accused and direct the parties to reconcile.
The Judicial Secretary, upon receiving several complaints and reports, including media reports, called for the records of proceedings to ascertain what happened during the sitting.
His findings, per the records of proceedings, showed that the earlier report inaccurately represented the actions of the presiding Judge, which led to unjustified criticisms levelled against the trial judge.
“I therefore requested the trial Judge to submit his comments and relevant court proceedings to facilitate my investigation into the matter, and I submit herewith my report:
JS findings
On June 10, 2026, the case was registered as Case No. ASH/NK/CC/D4/120/2026. The accused appeared in court, represented by his lawyer, Melody Christian, Esq., while the prosecution was led by Mr. Frank Acheampong, an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
It said, upon the commencement of proceedings, the prosecutor informed the court that he was acting under instructions from his superiors to withdraw the case.
The Judge, acting in accordance with the prosecutor’s request, struck out the case as withdrawn and discharged the accused.
It is important to note that no charge was read, nor was a plea taken. Therefore, the allegation that the trial Judge advised the parties to reconcile their differences is categorically false and not reflective of the court’s actions on that day.
Per his findings from the official proceedings recorded in court, the Judge’s conduct and decisions made during the hearing were substantiated, adding that the Judge acted within his judicial discretion and in compliance with the law.
“In view of the above, I urge members of the public and others to refrain from condemning the trial Judge based on such misleading information from the press and social media commentators,” he urged.
“The integrity of our judicial system depends on fair representation of its proceedings, and it is our duty as members of the Judiciary, the Judicial Service, and the Judicial Council to uphold this standard.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
