Judicial staff urged to commit themselves to the Rule of Law

Kpassa, May 7, GNA - Mrs Justice Mariama Owusu, an Appeal Court Judge, has appealed to personnel of the Judicial Service to reaffirm their corporate commitment towards upholding the tenets of the constitution, rule of law and administration of justice. He said they should eschew impartiality in the discharge of their responsibilities and demonstrate the highest ethical standards. Mrs Justice Owusu, who has oversight responsibility for the Volta Region, said this at the inauguration of the Nkwanta North District Magistrates Court at Kpassa on Thursday.

The court house, which is in the premises of the World Vision International, was refurbished at the cost of 9,000 Ghana cedis. Mrs Justice Owusu appealed to the Judicial Service staff to perceive themselves as service providers and treat members of the public with the utmost dignity, respect and courtesy.

She said they should demonstrate accountability at all times and issue receipts on every pesewa collected. She commended Mr Paul Levin Gyato, the Nkwanta North Districts Chief Executive, for initiating the refurbishment and seeing it through. Mr Justice Kofi Essel Mensah, the Deputy Supervising High Court Judge, Volta Region, said the establishment of the courts was not intended to usurp the authority and functions of traditional councils in arbitration. He said the role of the traditional authority in adjudication through arbitration had been deepened through the alternative dispute mechanism which is a more dignifying and peaceful approach to resolving disputes. Mr Gyato said the Assembly had plans to construct a permanent court and residential accommodation for officials of the Judicial Service and build a new police station. Mr Gyato, on the behalf of the Assembly presented, a desk and laptop computer to the court. 07 May 10