A Justice of the Appeal Court, Justice Bright Mensah has paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu on Tuesday 14 May 2024, at the Naval Headquarters, Burma Camp.
The visit marked a significant gesture of collaboration between the Judiciary and the Ghana Navy in the fight against maritime crimes and, to also address the lack of legal finish to maritime cases, as part of Exercise Obangame Express 2024.
Justice Mensah and Rear Admiral Yakubu discussed the challenges of combating maritime crimes, including piracy, illegal narcotics transportation and illegal fishing. They emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach, involving both law enforcement and the judiciary.
Following the courtesy call, Justice Mensah chaired a moot court session on maritime crimes atthe Owusu Ansah Hall. The session brought together legal professionals, Senior officers from GHQ Legal, representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL, Ministry of Justice, and other maritime law enforcement agencies, to simulate a trial, discussing legal frameworks, prosecution strategies, and defense arguments related to maritime crimes.
The moot trial aimed to enhance the understanding of maritime law and promote effective collaboration between the judiciary, Ghana Navy, and other stakeholders in tackling the lack of legal finish in maritime crimes. Justice Mensah emphasized the importance of a legal finish to these crimes, ensuring that perpetrators face justice and serve as a deterrent to others.
The CNS commended the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo for her support. He also thanked Justice Mensah for his proactive approach and commitment to supporting the Ghana Navy efforts in combating maritime crimes.
According to the Director, Legal Affairs at the Naval Headquarters, Capt (GN) Naa Ayeley Akwei-Aryee, Exercise Obangame has been in existence for over a decade without a legal finish, thus the need for an effective one.
Present at the event were the Former CNS, Rear Admiral PK Faidoo, US Naval Attaché to Ghana, Commander McLean, Director General, GAF Legal Services, Brigader General Benjamin Amoah-Boakye, and other Senior Officers.
