Judge bemoans interference of chiefs

Kumawu (Ash), Aug 8, GNA - Mr Justice Frank Owusu-Afriyie, the Presiding Judge of the Kumawu circuit court, has said chiefs in the area were interfering with the administration of justice. He said the establishment of the court in the area would be in vein if criminal cases were withdrawn and settled by chiefs in their palaces.

Mr Owusu-Afriyie said this when representatives of chiefs from Bodomase, Drobonso and Kumawu, appeared in the court to plead for the withdrawal of assault and offensive conduct cases involving three persons.

He said the suspects should not have committed the offence in the first place if they recognised, respected and feared the authority of the chiefs.

"This explains the need for chiefs to allow justice to take its course when their subjects come into conflict with the law." Mr Owusu-Afriyie said what was at times worrisome was the message from some of the chiefs that seemed to be ordering the court to do their wish.

"The court will focus on the constitutional demand of the Judicial Service and nothing else."