The Judicial Service has dismissed reports that a magistrate advised parties in a high-profile assault case involving a teacher and a female student to settle the matter amicably, describing such claims as false and inconsistent with official court records.
In a statement dated Saturday, June 12, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed said a review of proceedings at the Nkawie District Court established that the trial magistrate acted in accordance with the law after prosecutors moved to withdraw the case.
The clarification comes amid public criticism and media reports following the handling of the case involving Eric Buernortey Apaflo, a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School who was accused of assaulting a female student.
The case attracted widespread public attention after a video circulated on social media showing the teacher and the student engaged in a physical altercation on the school’s campus.
The matter was brought before the Toase District Court on June 10, where the case was subsequently struck out.
However, contrary to reports that the court encouraged the parties and their families to pursue reconciliation and an out-of-court settlement, the Judicial Service said no such advice was given by the presiding magistrate.
Mr Ahmed said he ordered a review of the proceedings after receiving complaints and observing reports that he believed had inaccurately portrayed the conduct of the magistrate, leading to what he described as unwarranted public condemnation.
According to the Judicial Service, the case was registered as Case No. ASH/NK/CC/D4/120/2026. The accused appeared before the court represented by lawyer Melody Christian, while Assistant Superintendent of Police Frank Acheampong led the prosecution.
“Upon the commencement of proceedings, the prosecutor informed the court that he was acting under instructions from his superiors to withdraw the case,” Mr Ahmed stated.
Following the prosecution’s request, the magistrate struck out the case and discharged the accused.
“It is important to note that no charge was read, nor was a plea taken,” the Judicial Secretary said. “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.”
He said official court records and handwritten notes from the proceedings corroborated the actions taken by the magistrate.
According to Mr Ahmed, the magistrate exercised judicial discretion appropriately and acted within the confines of the law.
He further urged the public, media organisations and social media users to refrain from drawing conclusions based on inaccurate accounts of court proceedings.
“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,” he said.
