Fajai(W/R) Sept. 2, GNA - Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikadu has expressed worry about current political tensions in the country. He said Ghanaians have been exaggerating their differences, opening up past aspects of our society and thereby compounding "our doubts as a people". Nana Nketsia was speaking at the opening of a fourth triennial conference of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) at Fijai near Takoradi on Monday.

It was on the theme, "Uniting for better working conditions and success of the judicial reforms".

"The year of elections tends to whip up all the negatives of our existence, instead of giving us peace," adding that "partisanship has appears to put sectional interests above national interests". Nana Nketsia said the over politicization of the judicial system, had led to many chiefs suffering considerable over the years, but this should not be so, after attaining independence. "I always get embarrassed over accusations of partisanship over our judicial system, and we must fight for a respected and politically neutral judicial system," he said.

Nana Nketsia stressed that politicising our judicial system was a sure path for destruction of the nation, but the nation needed to build on confidence in its entire processes.

"We need to focus on the spirit of true independence, which is embodied in 'freedom and justice' and this should serve as the watchdog of our existence and inspire us into the future," he stressed. He expressed his regret that the various political parties were not focusing on 'deeper issues' that confronted the nation. Nana Nketsia said mental decolonization seemed to have taken over in all endeavours, "yet our political leaders seem oblivious to it". He said the poor remuneration, absence of scheme of service, lack of periodic in-service training, accommodation problems and the absence of a clear cut procedure for promotions in the service, needed to be addressed to boost the moral of members of JUSAG.

Mrs Justice Georgina T. Wood, Chief Justice of Ghana said the judiciary would not tolerate abuse, fraud, forgery of court documents among others.

She said some members of JUSAG had posed as lawyers and duped unsuspecting persons who patronise the courts. Mrs Wood said the issuance of identification name tags, were aimed at boosting the moral of personnel, but some have refused to boldly display their tags.

She cautioned members of JUSAG not to engage in any acts of fraud, electoral irregularities or violence before during and after the elections.

She reminded them not to discriminate by word or conduct, show bias or prejudice based on religion, ethnic origin, disability, age, gender, marital status, social or economic status, political affiliation or opinion in the performance of their official duties. 2 Sept. 08