Accra, April 8, GNA - The Chief Justice, Mrs. Justice Georgina T. Wood, said on Thursday that a consolidated African judicial system would foster trade and ease legal barriers among countries. "Cooperation and consolidation of the judicial system will in the long run harmonise the laws relating to commerce especially with respect to the oil and gas industry."

According to her, consolidating African judicial systems would also lead to the integration and development of the continent and bridge the gaps between regional economic blocks. The Chief Justice was speaking at the opening of a two-day International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra, on the theme: "Co-operation and mutual consolidation of African Judicial systems."

ILAC is a world wide consortium of non governmental organisations, providing technical and legal assistance to post conflict countries. ILAC, set up in 2002, has more than 20 member organisations with three million representatives of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and academics. It has carried out assessment missions and initiated legal reform projects in Afghanistan, Algeria, Morocco, Palestine and Rwanda. Mrs. Wood said the world had now become a global village, adding with the advent of the internet and video links, collaboration and mutual consolidation of African judicial systems was not "an impossibility." The Chief Justice told the delegates that the government and people of Ghana were determined to make constitutional democracy with its core values of an independent judiciary, the rule of law, promotion of human rights and freedoms continue to flourish. "With the institutional support of partners like ILAC, the Ghanaian judiciary is determined to play its role in the nation's constitutional development effectively."

She said Ghana was also desirous to learn from other countries and institute those reforms that would enhance access to justice. Mr Paul Haddinott, Chairman of ILAC, paid glowing tribute to Ghana saying the country had the best justice delivery and economy which could help to improve on the living standards of the people. Mr Amarkai Amartefio, Sweden's Consul General in Ghana, called on the international community, especially stakeholders in peace, security and development to support ILAC to achieve its noble objectives. "We all stand to benefit from this selfless commitment to the peace in the world," Mr Amartefio said. 8 April 10