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Let the judiciary be truly independent
- Otumfuor
Kumasi, Dec. 6, Ghanadot/GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,
Asantehene, has called for deliberate efforts to institute
pro-active policies and programmes that would ensure the
total independence of the judiciary in the performance of
its duties.
He said the current situation where the judiciary depended
on the government for resources and funds for its operations
and sustenance was inimical to a dispassionate and objective
administration of justice devoid of governmental
interference.
The Asantehene described the judiciary as one of the crucial
arms of government and that the time had come for the
Judicial Council to be innovative and explore other avenues
to source funds to promote their activities towards an
independent Judicial Service to ensure fair adjudication of
cases.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu was speaking at the Sixth Chief Justice's
Forum in Kumasi on Wednesday.
It was held on the theme: "Strengthening Judicial Integrity
and Capability through Judicial Education".
He appealed to staff of the Judicial Service to uphold
honesty, truth and justice in the discharge of their duties
to enhance the rule of law and the nation's democratic
process.
The Asantehene expressed regret about the poor state of most
court buildings in the Ashanti Region and emphasised the
need for a general infrastructure facelift to boost the
image of the Judicial Service.
He also charged the Judicial Council to step up efforts to
educate the public on the country's Constitution and their
rights through sensitisation workshops to enlighten the
citizenry to appreciate the work of the judiciary.
Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Chief Justice, expressed
optimism that the location of a court of appeal in Kumasi
would facilitate the smooth adjudication of cases,
especially from the northern sector of the country.
Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister,
admonished members of the Bar, Bench and other staff of the
Judicial Service to co-operate in the performance of their
duties to streamline their activities.
He said they should shun backbiting, corruption and other
unhealthy practices that could dent the image of the Service
and also erode the gains so far made in the administration
of justice in the country.
GNA
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