A former Deputy Minister of Defence, Nana Obiri Boahen, has called for police prosecutors to be qualified lawyers with an LLB, saying this is needed to strengthen the country’s justice system.
Speaking on Wontumi TV, the private legal practitioner said prosecuting criminal cases requires legal training that goes beyond basic police instruction.
The astute politician also argued that prosecutors handling cases in court should have a law degree to ensure proper application of the law, correct interpretation of evidence, and fair trial processes.
“Police prosecutors should be lawyers with an LLB,” , Nana Obiri Boahen stated.
He told the host that legal education equips prosecutors with the skills to draft charges properly, handle cross-examination, and avoid procedural errors that can lead to cases being dismissed.
The call comes amid ongoing public discussion about the effectiveness of police prosecutions in Ghana. Concerns have often been raised about the handling of cases by non-lawyer prosecutors, especially in complex matters.
Nana Obiri Boahen is a practicing lawyer with over 33 years and has also been involved in several high-profile legal matters.
In Ghana, prosecution is currently handled by both lawyers in the Attorney General’s Department and police officers designated as prosecutors.
Source: Kwabena Danso-Dapaah
