Accra, June 14, GNA – The Judicial Service has clarified that the Nkawie Circuit Court did not independently discharge Eric Buernortey Apaflo, the teacher charged with assaulting a female student, but acted on the prosecution’s request to withdraw the case.
A statement issued by Mr Musah Ahmed, Judicial Secretary, expressed concern over media reports suggesting that the presiding judge, Mr Robert Addo, discharged the accused and directed the parties to reconcile.
The statement described the reports as an inaccurate representation of the court proceedings.
The case arose from a widely circulated video showing a physical altercation between a teacher and a female student at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School in the Ashanti Region.
The incident sparked public outrage and led to the arrest and prosecution of the teacher, Eric Buernortey Apaflo.
In the video, he was seen repeatedly striking the student before lifting and throwing her to the ground.
The Judicial Secretary said when the case was called on June 10, 2026, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Frank Acheampong, the prosecutor, informed the court that he had been directed by his superiors to withdraw the case.
“We pray to withdraw the case as I have been directed by my superiors to do so,” the prosecutor told the court.
The presiding judge subsequently ruled: “The case is hereby struck out as withdrawn,” and discharged the accused accordingly.
The accused was represented by Melody Christian, Esq., holding brief for Kwame Asiedu Basoah.
Following widespread public criticism of the judge’s alleged decision to discharge the accused and encourage reconciliation, the Judicial Secretary said he called for the court records to establish the facts.
His review of the proceedings showed that the earlier reports had misrepresented the actions of the trial judge, resulting in unwarranted criticism.
“I, therefore, requested the trial judge to submit his comments and relevant court proceedings to facilitate my investigation into the matter, and I submit herewith my report,” the statement said.
It noted that the matter was registered as Case No. ASH/NK/CC/D4/120/2026 and that the accused appeared in court represented by counsel, while the prosecution was led by ASP Acheampong.
The statement emphasised that no charge was read and no plea was taken before the prosecution applied to withdraw the case.
“It is important to note that no charge was read, nor was a plea taken. 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,” it said.
The Judicial Secretary said the official court records confirmed that the judge acted within his judicial discretion and in accordance with the law.
He urged the public to refrain from condemning the trial judge based on misleading information circulated by sections of the media and on social media.
“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,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Joyce Danso
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