Don't harass district magistrates for compensation-Judge tells assemblies

Sekondi, Sept. 23,GNA -A Supervising High Court Judge, Mr Kofi Akowea= h, on Thursday deplored the unjustifiable demands of some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) for compensations on court fines from District magistrates. He said court fines are paid into the Consolidated Fund and that magistrate courts are not obliged to pay compensation to assemblies althoug= h the courts help in the enforcement of payment of levies and obeying bye-laws. Justice Akoweah expressed these sentiments during the swearing-in of Western Regional Coordinating Council members in Sekondi. He led the Regional Coordinating Council members to swear the official= , allegiance and secrecy oaths. He charged the assemblies to provide good accommodation and sound working environment for district magistrates to dispense justice to ensure peace and order in the various assemblies.

Justice Akoweah warned that the Judicial Council would withdraw district magistrates from hostile districts and post them to places where their services are most required.

The Supervising High Court Judge also expressed concern about activities that sometimes go on around the court premises during proceeding= s that tend to disturb proceedings and charged the assemblies to ensure sound and peaceful environment devoid of any disturbance that could hinder dispensation of justice.

He also asked the assemblies to report any judicial officer that would frustrate their work for sanctions, saying district magistrates must cooperate with the assemblies to ensure the enforcement of law and order.