No lawyers at Attorney-General's Office in Sunyani

The prosecution of cases, particularly criminal ones in the higher courts in the Brong Ahafo Region, has virtually come to a halt due to an acute shortage of lawyers at the Attorney-General's (AG) Department in Sunyani.

This has adversely affected administration of justice especially cases pending before the courts.

Investigations by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) showed that the Regional Office of the AG in Sunyani needs at least six lawyers, excluding the head of department to handle cases at the courts.

There are four high courts, one regional tribunal and circuit courts and community tribunals in all the 13 districts in the region.

The police are not allowed to prosecute offenders in the high courts and regional tribunals.

Speaking to the GNA, the Chief State Attorney in charge of the region, Mr. Betuiriseeh Cab-Beyuo confirmed the shortage and added that he is the only lawyer at the office handling more than 300 dockets and cases awaiting advice and prosecution.