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Make public sanctions to staff of judicial service public – Apremdo Chief to CJ
Nana Kwamena (middle) assisting Justice Torkornoo (secondleft) to inaugurate the EKMA Court at Apollo,
Apremdo. Left is the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-
The Divisional Chief of Apremdo, Nana Egya Kwamena XI, has requested the Judicial Service to make public sanctions meted out to staff for any breach of conduct and ethical behaviours.
“The Judicial Service must ensure the extensive dissemination of information on substantiated petitions filed against its personnel,” he added.
According to him, this will give the farmer and market woman confidence, knowing that the Judicial Service has ears to listen.
Nana Kwamena XI made the call on Monday when the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo, opened the new Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) Court at Appollo, Apremdo, to enhance accessto justice in the municipality.
He said very often, there were cases of unprofessionalism by some Judicial Service staff who tainted the image of the service, but, was worried that there were no clear ways for victims to report.
“It must be easier for victims to lodge complaints against any member of the Judiciary or court staff who makes any unlawful demands, in performing his or her duties, for disciplinary action to be taken.”
On land matters, Nana Kwamena said, apart from Burma Camp, Apremdo was the only community in Ghana that had released lands to the Government of Ghana to establish two military barracks, Air Force and Second Infantry (2BN) army barracks.
However, since their grandfathers released these lands to the Government to protect the air space and the land territories of Ghana, “successive governments have not paid the due compensation for both lands.”
The situation, the Apremdo Chief reported, had created tension between the families and the military units over land encroachment, adding, “In as much as Apremdo is giving lands to promote administration of justice to the people of Ghana, we hope the Judicial Service of Ghana will be responsive enough to hear cases on time.”
In response, Justice Torkornoo encouraged the public to holdthe JudicialService accountable for its duties and performances.
She urged the public, court users and clients to show interest in cases in courts and petition the Chief Justice if they believed their cases were unduly delayed.
She also assured that the Judicial Service was poised to ensure that staff adhered to dictates and ethics of their work and ensure a smooth administration of justice to the citizenry no matter their social status.
Justice Torkornoo stressed, “As public officers, judges, registrars, bailiffs, mediators, we are paid for the work we do and it is high time we advance honest, fair and transparent justice system devoid of extortion of monies from clients to retain confidence in the justice system of the country.”
“We are not a law onto ourselves and we are not here to traumatise citizens. We must be held accountable. Any court user who thinks his/ her case is being delayed must petition the Chief Justice -Ethical questions are a concern to the Judiciary,” she said.
Justice Torkornoo further urged staff of the Judicial Service to make the courts comfortable, accessible and also give solace to bruised users and clients.
She said, “The courthouse is comparable to hospitals, people come here because they are in dire need of care, be it emotional, psychological and social – ours is tosooth their pains and not to even bruise their wounds harder with unwanted behaviours.”
From Clement Adzei Boye, Apremdo
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
