General News of Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Source: GNA

German judges call on CJ

Accra, Sept. 23 GNA - An 11-member group of Justices from the Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the Chief Justice (CJ), Mrs. Georgina Wood at her office in Accra.

The Judges, most of who handle visa, immigration and asylum cases, are in the country to learn more about Ghana's judicial system. Mr. Justice Dietherd Dahm, Administrator of the Court of Berlin-Brandenburg and leader of the delegation said this was the first time members of the delegation were in Africa. He said the delegation was in the country to study the situation on the ground to be able to deal with foreign cases, especially immigration.

He said sometimes the government and the police could get things wrong on the issue of immigration. Mrs. Justice Wood explained the judicial system in Ghana to the delegation, including specialized courts such as the commercial, land and juvenile courts. She told the group that Ghana had set up a Human Rights Court, which was the second in Africa, to deal with human rights related issues.

Dr Mario Haas, German Ambassador in Ghana assured the CJ of continuous collaboration between the Judicial Service and the German Technical Corporation (GTZ). Ms Sandra Thomson, Head of Judicial Reform, commended GTZ for the support and training of judges in judicial ethics. 23 Sept. 08