Traditional leaders in the country have been urged to desist from settling criminal matters in their respective areas of jurisdiction to allow the full rigours of the law to prevail in a bid to promote and harness democracy and rule of law.
An Appeal Court Judge, His Lordship Justice Richard Adjei Frimpong has made a passionate appeal to traditional authorities to refrain from such acts which will only not provide justice for victims of criminal offences but will deprive them of their right to gain freedom in their own country.
The Judge made the passionate call during the commissioning and inauguration of a newly constructed Circuit Court Complex for the people of Nkwatia – Kwahu, a monumental project that was fully funded and financed by the Nkosuohene of Nkwatia, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, on Friday, December 16.
Delivering a special guest of honour speech on behalf of the Chief Justice, His Lordship Kwasi Anin Yeboah, Justice Richard Adjei Frempong affirmed the Judicial system’s quest to ensure that it delivers timely, resolute, quality and efficient service to the Ghanaian people.
“Before I begin my speech, let me attest that I’ve seen this building. It’s beautiful and beyond the capacity of a Circuit Court. We have agreed that it must be converted into a High Court. I’m taking this as a message to the Chief Justice, and I’m pressured our supervising High Court Judge will support me when I’m delivering your message”, he stated.
His Lordship Agyei Frimpong added that the idea of the construction of this Court House came upon the realization that the entire Kwahu East District had only a Magistrate Court, and thus there was the need for a Circuit or High Court for the Jurisdiction.
“It’s indeed an honour and great pleasure to be at this important ceremony, the inauguration of the newly constructed Circuit Court here at Nkwatia in the Kwahu East District. From the out search, I wish to render the most profound apology of his Lordship the Chief Justice for his inability to be here to inaugurate this beautiful edifice personality. Our gathering here is a fulfilment of a promise by Nana Owiredu Wadie, Nkosuohene of Nkwatia and Chairman and founder of the KABAKA foundation to ensure further access to justice by the people this area to assure investors Peace and Security. It’s also to commemorate the first anniversary of his enstoolment as the Nkosuohene of Nkwatia – Kwahu. The idea of the construction of this Court house came upon the realization that the entire Kwahu East District had only a Magistrate, thus the need for a Circuit or High Court in the Jurisdiction. The bold initiative by Nana Owiredu Wadie I is not only a demonstration of support to the judicial service to enable it to live out its mandate, but it’s also an act of Patriotism which has must be emulated by all well-meaning Ghanaians. It, therefore, emphasises that we have a collective responsibility to ensure that Democracy thrives in this country and this cannot happen without a well-resourced Judiciary which is the backdrop of the Rule of Law. I’d like to use this opportunity and urge our traditional leaders to desist from settling criminal cases and allow the law to take its cause”,
The memorise development project was initiated and financed by Nana Owiredu Wadie for the People of Nkwatia – Kwahu has vindicated the rectitude of his choice as the Nkosuohene of Nkwatia.
The project was fully funded by Nana Owiredu Wadie and construction was done by Freedom Builders Construction limited a company owned by Opanyin Kwame Wadie, the father of Nana Owiredu Wadie.
He further said the newly constructed court complex meets the standard of utility and modernity. It also addresses their quest today with a lack, and distressingly poor state of their physical infrastructure which has over the years militated against the effective operations of the courts generally, and rendered their services to the people of Ghana, sometimes, ineffective.
Ghana currently ranks second on the Peace Index in Africa. He said the culture of the Rule of Law is a key factor for clinching this feat.
He further called for the maintenance of and cherishing of Courts which are National assets and must be protected appropriately for prosperity. He also urged the District Assemblies whose responsibility is rightly is, to ensure the provision of Courts under the Local Government Act and the Judicial Service staff to ensure a higher maintenance culture of the facility as it will further serve as a source of encouragement to other well-meaning who would like to emulate the example of Nana Owiredu Wadie and his family.
