Otumfuo advocates independence of the judiciary

Kumasi, Dec. 6, 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.