FULANI v. THE REPUBLIC

This case highlights a severe instance of administrative negligence within the judicial system. The judgment criticizes the circuit court registry, particularly in Kumasi, for its repeated failure to respond to requests for the record of proceedings in an appeal case. The appellant, sentenced on June 24, 1966, filed an appeal on August 5, 1966. Despite multiple requests and reminders from the High Court over a period of nearly four years, the circuit court registry consistently failed to provide the necessary documents or even acknowledge the requests. This delay significantly impeded the appeal process, causing what the judge describes as an "injustice of a type impossible to repair" to the appellant. The judge expresses strong disapproval of the registrar's conduct, describing it as a "callous disregard of the rights and suffering of others." The judgment suggests that such behavior is incompatible with the responsibilities of a public officer in the judicial system and recommends that the matter be brought to the attention of the Judicial Secretary. This case underscores the importance of efficient administrative processes in the judicial system and the potential for severe consequences when these processes fail.