Gender based violence court opens in Tema

A gender based violence court was on Tuesday opened in Tema with a call on judges to be mindful of their work.

Justice Mrs Georgina Wood, Chief Justice of Ghana, reminded judges and officials manning the courts to be mindful of their work, as it was service to the nation.

The gender based violence court is located at the Tema Circuit Court 'A'.

A speech read on her behalf by Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, an Appeal Courts judge, the Chief Justice said "they must therefore endeavour to maintain the good image of the service and conduct themselves in a manner which will not bring the administration of justice into disrepute".

She indicated that the inauguration of the court would help address all gender related cases in Tema and its environs.

"This will also bring justice to the doorstep of women and children in this metropolis and help create awareness of the importance of such a court," she added.

The court is also expected to help address the cultural norm where such cases were not treated as crimes but rather as a private family matters.

The Chief Justice added that as part of their fundamental rights, women and girls could now access the court for redress for crimes committed against them.

She entreated them to handle the equipment with utmost care for justice could be served effortlessly.

Justice Adjei Frimpong, Tema High Court Judge, said gender based violence was seen as a pervasive global issue contributing significantly to mortality worldwide.

He called for behavioural change and institutional reforms as part of measures to curb such violence.

In opening the court, a 17-year old labourer was remanded into police custody by the court presided over by Mrs Lydia Osei-Marfo, for allegedly defiling a 15-year old girl.

Collins Adjei, the accused whose plea was not taken, was remanded to reappear on January 14, 2015.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Diana Sedame, prosecuting, told the court that on December 17 this year, at about 2000 hours, complainant sent the victim on an errand at Tema Manhean.

Complainant went round looking for the victim at about 2200 hours when she did not arrive at home.

At about 0200 hours on December 18, complainant and suspect's father saw victim and Adjei naked and fast asleep in bed.

Adjei was apprehended and handed over to the police.