<p><em> </em></p><p><strong>BAFFOUR, J.</strong></p><blockquote>“For one of the basic principles of any civilized system of justice is that a person is entitled to a fair trial free from prejudice. No system of justice can be effective unless a fair trial to both sides is ensured.... This common law right to a fair trial is now elevated to a fundamental right in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana: see article 19(2) (e) ...”</blockquote><p>Per Acquah JSC ( as he then was) in the case of IN RE EFFIDUASE STOOL AFFAIRS (NO 2) REPUBLIC v. ODURO NIMAPUA, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE OF CHIEFS; EX PARTE AMEYAW II [1998-99] SCGLR 639 @670.</p><p>What has been noted to be the basic elements of a fair trial has been stated by Curtis Doebbler, an International Human Rights lawyer in his book, <em>Introduction to International Human Rights Law </em>at page 106 as the right to be heard by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal, the right to a public hearing, the right to be heard within a reasonable time, the right to counsel and the right to interpretation. Does fair tri…</p>