Attempted Assassination: Psychological Assessment Necessary In Judicial Verdict—Ghana Psychological Association

This week, Justice Francis Obiri found Charles Antwi guilty of carrying a firearm without proper authorization. The judge handed down a prison sentence double that required for such an offence and in only one brief sitting of court. That aside, the behavior of Mr. Antwi prior to being apprehended, was described by the press as ‘weird’ and ‘fidgety’. His utterances were even more abnormal; he thought he ought to be president instead of President Mahama.

Not so abnormal was his opinion that the President had failed to govern appropriately. However these two reasons were his stated motives for wanting to assassinate the president. Judge Obiri’s ruling has raised eyebrows among the populace about the execution of justice in the country.

Inasmuch as the Ghana Psychological Association has no other basis for calling into question the professional competence of Justice Francis Obiri, we are of the considered view that the verdict was hastily delivered, and thus did not make room for the examination of the accused, who had demonstrated through his utterances and behavior that he might have some mental health challenges. These indicate clearly a need for a psychiatric evaluation about fitness to stand trial and an assessment of dangerousness. Several questions would need to be answered; was the man able to determine right from wrong? Was he thinking coherently when he planned to assassinate the president? Was his plan feasible? Was he seeking attention? Was this a cry for help? Was he mentally ill?

We therefore recommend that,

1. Mr. Antwi be given a proper psychiatric evaluation and appropriate care,
2. If found unfit to stand trial now, he should be retried later with proper legal representation.
3. Actors within our judicial space should refer to professionals/experts, especially Clinical and Forensic Psychologists/Psychiatrists whose services might facilitate the dispensation of justice.
4. Psychological assessment should be a pre-requisite for an individual to own a firearm.

Signed
Dr. Kingsley Nyarko
Public Relations Officer
GPA
Mobile: 0548006675, 0202015050
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ghanapsych.org