JUDGE REINFORCES COURT ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOROKA
BY VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka
A National Court Judge in Goroka has reinforced the importance of accountability within Papua New Guinea’s justice system after repeated prosecution absences prompted concerns over delays in court proceedings affecting the people of Eastern Highlands Province.
Justice John Richie Bernaud Kaumi summoned senior representatives of the Office of the Public Prosecutor to appear before the National Court in Goroka on Friday following a series of instances where prosecutors failed to attend scheduled court matters.
Appearing before the court was Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Vagivaro Rolaokona, who travelled to Goroka to personally address the concerns raised by the court.
Justice Kaumi clarified that his concerns were not directed at any individual officer but were focused on ensuring justice services were delivered efficiently to the people of Eastern Highlands Province.
He said the issue affected hundreds of thousands of people across the province, from Watabung to the Marawaka border, who relied on the justice system to function effectively and without unnecessary delays.
Justice Kaumi told the court he appreciated the presence of the Acting Public Prosecutor, saying it demonstrated that the Office of the Public Prosecutor recognised the concerns affecting prosecution services in the province.
“Firstly, Acting Public Prosecutor, I acknowledge and appreciate your appearance before this court. In my four years serving here, this is the first time I have seen the Acting Public Prosecutor appear in person,” said Justice Kaumi during the summoning on Friday at the National court.
Justice Kaumi acknowledged the Acting Public Solicitors presence, also adding that it shows the people of Eastern Highlands Province that the Office of the Public Prosecutor is also concerned about their issues.
Ms Rolaokona’s appearance follows an email sent by Justice Kaumi on the 4th of June 2026.
Responding before the court, Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Vagivaro Rolaokona offered a public apology on behalf of the Office of the Public Prosecutor and acknowledged the challenges affecting prosecution services in Goroka.
Ms Rolaokona admitted that internal administrative issues had impacted the efficient delivery of prosecution services in Eastern Highlands Province.
She informed the court that the Prosecutor-in-Charge for Goroka, Mr Mpake, had been unwell and that the office was also facing administrative challenges relating to documentation required for staffing and management decisions.
Ms Rolaokona said the office had requested relevant documents from the officer concerned to assist management in implementing appropriate measures but had yet to receive all the necessary information.
She said these circumstances had contributed to delays in addressing staffing arrangements and prosecution coverage in Goroka.
The Acting Public Prosecutor also acknowledged there had been misunderstandings between officers regarding court appearances and accepted responsibility for the disruptions caused.
The court was informed that steps were now being taken by the Office of the Public Prosecutor to address the challenges and improve prosecution services in the province.
The appearance by the Acting Public Prosecutor is expected to provide greater confidence that concerns raised by the National Court are being addressed and that measures are being implemented to minimise future disruptions to court proceedings in Goroka.
