Stop using “juju” in court

Justice Nicholas C.A. Agbevor, a Supervising High Court Judge in Ho on Tuesday admonished litigants against the use of “juju”-charms, in the courtroom.

He said the practice was gradually becoming a custom and must be discouraged.

Justice Agbevor gave the admonishment when he stood in for the Chief Justice, Mrs Theodora Wood to commission a Magistrate’s court block at Dzolokpuita, for the Ho-West District.

Justice Agbevor cited a situation where after a court sitting, he was handed summon to appear before a shrine for a judgment he passed on a case.

He said such circumstances could affect effective adjudication of cases, saying shrines were not places for court cases.

Justice Agbevor said judges and workers in the judicial system were human beings and urged litigants, who were aggrieved or unsatisfied, to seek clarification or appeal.

He also asked the people not to “over indulge” staff of the Judicial Service, because such acts could corrupt and break the system.

Mr Kofi Aggey, the President, Ghana Bar Association, Volta Regional Chapter, said chiefs and community elders remained relevant key players in justice delivery and encouraged people to seek domestic resolution of cases.

He said as much as possible, community dwellers should settle disputes amicably with their chiefs, because that atmosphere was more relaxed and friendly than the courts.

Mr Aggey preached forgiveness, stressing that, generally, litigation was expensive.

Mr Francis Ganyaglo, the Deputy Volta Regional Minister commended the Assembly for providing the facility, and urged it to consider similar projects for the Police, Prisons and other security services.

He was hopeful the Magistrate’s court would help promote peace, justice and good governance in the area.

Mr Ganyaglo said the court should also help curb the smuggling of cocoa and petrol to neighbouring Togo.

Mr Samuel Ewordey, the Ho-West District Chief Executive said there was a direct correlation between law and development and said, the Magistrate’s court project was one of the ways of opening up the area for rapid development.

He was hopeful the court would help bring justice to the doorsteps of the people and promote effective local governance.

An assault case against one Kove Lawson, also known as Sule, a driver, was heard to mark the official opening of the court.

Ghana News Agency (GNA) learnt that a good number of cases brought to courts in Ho are from the Ho-West District.