Be guided by ethics of the profession - Chief Justice

Tamale, Dec 4, GNA - Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood has urged members of the judiciary to be guided by the ethics of the profession in the conduct of their duties.

She said the Judicial Service was a place of refuge for people seeking redress from injustice and it would therefore be a blot on the image of the profession "if those in the position to dispense justice betray the cause of justice by their conduct". The Chief Justice was addressing members of the bench, the bar and staff of the judiciary service in Tamale on Tuesday. Mrs Wood said it was her determination to build a strong, bold and independent judiciary. "I will therefore ensure that promotions in the service are now done solely on merit".

She appealed to lawyers to cooperate with judges in the delivery of justice and avoid the frequent adjournment of cases, which she said was not in the interest of both the bench and the bar. On service conditions of the judicial staff, the Chief Justice admitted that things were not very good but urged them to continue to make sacrifices while efforts were made to improve the situation. She warned those who could not bear with the present conditions to advise themselves and "quit" since no one forced them into the profession.

Mr Akwasi Mireku, Tamale High Court Administrator, complained about the poor infrastructure of the court and said the workers were sharing the premises with animals and drug addicts because it was not fenced. He appealed for a new administration block for the Tamale High Court.

He said the colonial court structures at Buipe, Tolon and Bunkpurugu should be rehabilitated while the Salaga and Nalerigu courts were provided with magistrates. Mr. Mireku also called for the upgrading of the office equipment, the provision of a water tanker and the installation of air conditioners in the offices of the High Court.