By Patrick Teah, Jr.
“…Your Honor, we the magistrates, we noticed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is interfering into court issues. Your Honor, we kindly ask you to intervene. The Superintendent has been interfering into Court issues. This is getting out of hand. We kindly ask you to intervene,” a video evidence obtained by Verity News showed Associate Magistrate Eric D. Jlatuh speaking as he presented a formal complaint to Resident Circuit Judge Peter Gbenewleh.
During the official opening of the May Term of Court in Grand Kru County on June 15, 2026, concerns about judicial independence were raised after Associate Magistrate Eric D. Jlatuh of the Barfor Magistrate Court accused local authorities of interfering with court operations.
Speaking on behalf of magistrates across the county, Magistrate Jlatuh alleged that Grand Kru County Superintendent Hon. Antoinette Worwlee Nimely had interfered with judicial proceedings. According to him, such actions make it difficult for courts to operate effectively and fairly.
The allegations were made during the opening ceremony attended by judicial officials, county authorities, and members of the public. Magistrate Jlatuh stressed that courts must be allowed to function without outside influence in order to maintain public confidence in the justice system.
Responding to the allegation, Resident Circuit Judge Peter Gbenewleh called on Magistrate Jlatuh to put his complaint in writing and submit it through the proper legal channels. Judge Gbenewleh assured the public that once a formal complaint is filed, the judiciary will review the matter and act according to the law.
Representing Superintendent Nimely at the event, Grand Kru County Administrative Officer Hon. Alphonso Teah encouraged cooperation between the judiciary and local government officials. He urged magistrates to report any public official who interferes with court activities.
“Maybe they might not know that what they are doing is wrong. It may seem right in their eyes until they are called to order. Once they are informed, they will better understand the operations of the court,” Teah said.
The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of protecting the independence of the judiciary and ensuring that courts remain free from external pressure or influence.
