By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |
The Aflao circuit court in the Ketu South Municipality has been closed down effective, March 31, 2019 by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo.
The closure of the court was as result of what the chief justice described as the ‘unsafe environment’ in which the court structure was located.
Consequently, Her ladyship also has transferred the presiding judge of the court, his honour, Ali Baba Abature to the Circuit court ‘4’ at Adum-Kumasi as the sitting judge effective, May 2, 2019.
A letter to the affected judge signed by the chief justice and dated 22nd March 2019, stated in parts that, “this is to inform you that the circuit court, Aflao will be closed down with effect from 31st March 2019, because of the unsafe environment within which the courthouse is situated.”
“In view of the foregoing, I humbly transfer you from the Circuit Court Aflao, to the Circuit Court ‘4’, Adum-Kumasi as the sitting judge for the court, with effect from 2nd May, 2019.”
“By a copy of this letter, the Registrar of the Circuit, Adum-Kumasi is requested to report on your assumption of duty,” the letter sighted by voltaonlinegh.com concluded.
The action by her ladyship comes on the back of the similar closures of some courts, which she described as ‘not fit for purpose’ in parts of the country during a working tour of some of the courthouses.
Per the Local government Act, assemblies are enjoined to provide appropriate structures and facilities for use as courthouses by the judiciary.
Meanwhile, the Ketu South Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Elliot Agbenorwu has said the assembly was taking steps to address the concerns of the Chief Justice regarding the conditions of two of the courts in the areas.
Responding to the issue in a press statement, the MCE noted that, he assured her ladyship during her tour of the municipality last year of plans to begin the construction of the new courthouse this year, in order to relocate the circuit court which is currently situated in a noisy environment.
In the interim however, Mr. Agbenorwu said an appeal letter was being sent to the chief Justice to rescind the closure of the Aflao circuit court as the assembly take steps to remedy the situation.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com