Judges urged to help erase perception of discriminatory justice

Cape Coast, Nov 25, GNA - The National Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) directorate on Tuesday appealed to judges and magistrates to erase the perception of the public of a corrupt judicial system within which justice is administered on monetary considerations.

They should strive to let the public believe that the judiciary has been assigned to administer justice, as well as promote objectivity, transparency and accountability by refraining from being arbitrarily capricious in their judgments.

Nene Amegatcher, a legal practitioner at the directorate, said this at a symposium on the theme:"ADR mainstreaming: A collective responsibility towards a transparent and accountable judiciary", in Cape Coast, as part of the "ADR week" celebrations.

He said although some cases could be easily and quickly disposed of at the courts, they are delayed for several years and that the situation was also compounded by the fact that the public complain that they do not understand ""courtroom jargons" which lawyers and judges use. Nene Amegatcher said it was for these reasons that the ADR had been instituted to facilitate the amicable settlement of cases and to enhance public understanding of the system.

Mr. Justice Marful-Sau, an appeal court judge in charge of the ADR programme who presided, also underscored the benefits of ADR, which he said saves time and ensures confidentiality, but stressed that the system was not forced on anyone, and that both parties had to agree to access it. Present at the function were Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, and Mr. Anthony Egyir-Aikins, Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief executive.