Ghana: Information on the Ghanaian Special Military Tribunal - its procedures and mandate (1998 to present)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 20 August 2001 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | GHA37385.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ghana: Information on the Ghanaian Special Military Tribunal - its procedures and mandate (1998 to present), 20 August 2001, GHA37385.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4be3420.html [accessed 3 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In a telephone interview on 23 July 2001, an official at the High Commission for Ghana stated that a Special Military Tribunal is the equivalent of a court martial. The official said that the Special Military Tribunal is not a standing institution and that the number of people on the court martial can vary and is determined by the Military.
The Europa World Yearbook 2000 states that the Special Military Tribunal consists of between five and seven members (1626).
The following information was received from the same official at the High Commission for Ghana on 15 August 2001.
A Special Military Tribunal may be set up by the Military to try officers whose actions constitute a violation of the military code of conduct. The mandate of the Special Military Tribunal in this instance would be to try individuals within the framework of the rules and regulations which govern the Military establishment.
The Superior Courts of Ghana are therefore different in terms of mandate and procedure from the Military Tribunals.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
The Europa World Year Book 2000. 2000. 41st ed. Vol. 1. London: Europa Publications.
High Commission for Ghana in Ottawa, Canada. 7 August 2001. Correspondence with official.
_____. 23 July 2001. Telephone interview with official.
