Stop demanding sitting allowance from litigants- Chairman

Gomoa-Amanful (Central Region) 17 June '99

The Reverend Justice Peter Ansah, Chairman of Gomoa-Amanful Unit Committee, has appealed to the Judicial Committee of Gomoa-Assin Traditional Council to stop demanding sitting allowance from parties in dispute.

Rev Ansah alleged that apart from the initial settlement fee charged by the committee, factions in arbitration cases are compelled to pay between 20,000 cedis and 30,000 cedis for every sitting.

He described the practice as unacceptable and called for its abolition to sustain the confidence and trust of the people in traditional courts.

Rev Ansah, who was speaking at a forum for farmers at Gomoa-Amanful on Tuesday, asked the committee to ensure the speedy disposal of cases brought before it, adding that early settlement of chieftaincy and land cases was necessary for development.

He said this would enable the farmers and other people engaged in such matters to conserve funds, energy and time to pursue their agricultural and other ventures.