MENA vs. THE REPUBLIC

JUDGMENT OF AZU CRABBE C.J. Azu Crabbe C. J. delivered the judgment of the court. The appellant was convicted on 24 June 1969, at the High Court (Brong-Ahafo Criminal Session held at Sunyani) before Baidoo J. and a jury for the murder of one Abenaa Konadu on 3 November 1967, at Bowohomoden farm cottage, near Senya village, in the Brong-Ahafo Region, and was sentenced to death. The appellant’s appeal against his conviction has now, after the lapse of almost seven years, come before this court. In view of the conclusion it has come to in this appeal, this court cannot but deplore the excessive delay in listing this appeal for hearing. It is a classic illustration of the oft-quoted aphorism: “justice delayed is justice denied.” In this appeal, counsel for the appellant addressed the court on two grounds of appeal, namely: (a) The conviction was unreasonable having regard to the evidence. (b) the judge erred in law by failing in his statutory duty under section 271 of Act...