A good day for justice in Ghana

February 08 2007

Supreme Court acquits two UK Nationals

Justice campaigners have greeted the acquittal of David Logan, from Warrington, and Frank Laverick, from Cleethorpes, by the Supreme Court in Accra on the 7th February 2007 with great joy and paid tribute to the professionalism and expertise of the court.

The 2 men, together with 4 others, were convicted on 27th October 2004 for drugs offences and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Sabine Zanker, Head of the Legal Team at Fair Trials Abroad (FTA) said, “Frank and David have fought long and hard through 3 court instances until it was finally acknowledged by the Supreme Court, that there was no evidence to support the claim that they were more than unsuspecting guests at the house where the drugs were found”.

“This was a great day, not only for our clients but also for the Justice System in Ghana,”, continued Sabine Zanker, “The Supreme Court Judges have shown that they will not tolerate any attempt of undue influence, which would jeopardise their independence.”

In an interview after the court proceedings on Wednesday, their Counsel, Mr. Addo Atuah, visibly elated, described the land-mark judgement as a victory for the rule of law and good governance. He stressed that it is gratifying to note that the right environment has been created to embolden judges to dispense justice fearlessly.

“After more than 3 years behind bars, Frank and David were finally released from prison today,” concluded Sabine Zanker.