The Office of the Attorney General has expressed profound disappointment and frustration over the failure of lawyers representing Vera, a pregnant protester, to inform the court of her pregnancy during her bail hearing. Vera, who is four months pregnant, was arrested during a Democracy Hub demonstration and subsequently remanded in custody for two weeks.
Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah, speaking to Citi News, stressed that it is the primary responsibility of the defense counsel to inform the court of their client’s pregnancy.
He explained that the court cannot independently verify such critical details and relies on the legal representatives to provide accurate information.
Yeboah emphasized that if Vera’s lawyers had disclosed her pregnancy, it could have been taken into account when deciding whether to grant bail.
He clarified that while the law mandates the disclosure of pregnancy during sentencing, there is no explicit requirement for it during bail applications. However, informing the court of such vital factors could significantly influence the court’s decision.
The Deputy Attorney General criticized Vera’s legal team for neglecting their duty to disclose her condition, thereby depriving the court of crucial information that could have impacted her bail status.
He questioned why the lawyers failed to disclose this critical information, which could have potentially changed the outcome of the bail hearing.
“In cases where an accused person is pregnant, it is the lawyer’s duty to make it known to the court and provide evidence,” Yeboah stated. “The court considers various factors when granting bail, and pregnancy is an important aspect that should be brought to their attention.”
Yeboah further explained that the law requires judges to inquire about pregnancy when sentencing a female convict.
However, during bail applications, it is the lawyer’s responsibility to provide this information.
Vera’s situation has sparked concerns about the treatment of pregnant women in custody and the importance of disclosing critical health information during legal proceedings.
The Attorney General’s office is now calling for greater accountability and diligence from legal representatives in similar cases.
The outcome of Vera’s case has significant implications for the broader discussion on human rights, particularly women’s rights, in Ghana.
As the country navigates complex legal and social issues, the role of legal professionals in advocating for their clients’ rights and interests remains crucial.
Ultimately, the Attorney General’s criticism of Vera’s legal team serves as a reminder of the importance of effective representation and disclosure of critical information in legal proceedings.
