Brochure on Legal Aid Scheme launched in Takoradi

Takoradi, May 2, GNA - Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister, on Tuesday said women were still being marginalized and denied their rights, especially the right to inheritance, despite efforts to better their lot.

This was contained in an address read on her behalf at the launching of Nzema, Fante, Akuapem Twi, Ewe, Ashanti Twi and Dagbani translations of a brochure on the Legal Aid Scheme in Takoradi.

Madam Horner-Sam said a number of widows in communities were suffering gross injustices, because of entrenched cultural practices or greed on the part of individuals and families.

She said, "When these injustices occur, they do not affect the women alone but their children are equally affected". Madam Honer-Sam asked the Legal Aid Board to treat such cases with the urgency and sympathy it deserved, when they were brought to its notice. She also urged the Board to educate and create awareness of its services and to make sure that the brochures were circulated and used by the target groups.

Mr Justice Robin Batu, Chairman of the Regional Legal Aid Committee, said legal aid was available to any person, who earned less than the government minimum wage and desired legal representation in any criminal and civil matter.

He said areas that the aid was extended to included landlord and tenant, insurance, inheritance and child maintenance cases. Mr Justice Batu said people do not always have to go to the courts with cases that could be tackled through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

He said ADR has worked well in many cases and is often recommended because it cut down legal expenses and for its simplicity. Mr Justice Batu, who was also a Supervising High Court Judge, asked the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the media to assist to educate the public about the legal Aid Scheme.

Mrs Sweetie Sowah, Regional Director of the Legal Aid Board, said her office received 410 complaints in 2005.

She said 129 of the complaints concerned non-maintenance of children, 44 were issues on matrimonial and divorce and 37 were property disputes. Mrs Sowah said the selection committee also handled 19 cases on breach of promise to marry.

She said the Selection Committee through the ADR settled 80 per cent of these applications out of court.

Nana Kobina Nketsiah V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, who presided, urged parties to disputes to embrace the ADR because it harmonised society.

He said ADR harmonised society, which was structured on mediation in order to minimise disputes.

Nana Nketsiah said it was wrong and immoral for people to make money out of disputes. He called on the public to support the Legal Aid Board to continue its work.