Otumfuo Expresses Concern Over Delay in Judiciary Projects

THE 16TH OCCUPANT of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concern over the delay in the completion of ongoing projects of the judiciary in Kumasi.

He observed with gross concern that several ongoing infrastructural projects of the judiciary in the Ashanti regional capital have delayed unduly, and recalled that projects that were started in the city as far back as 2011 are still far from completion, noting “that is a concern to me”.

“Construction works of several facilities of the judiciary in Kumasi have delayed unduly and this is a concern to the people in the city, including even me.

“For instance, the redevelopment of old bungalows of the judiciary, especially at Denyame right here in Kumasi, has been delayed for years”, he bemoaned.

Otumfuo stressed the need for the leadership of the judiciary to expedite action so as to ensure the early completion of the delayed projects.

Describing the judiciary as an important institution, especially, in maintaining law, order and justice in the country, the Asantehene said such a vital arm of government deserves more modern infrastructure to enhance its operations.

Otumfuo also called for a policy that would ensure that proper structures and infrastructure are put in place to help make access to justice easier for the people.

He also called for proper separation of powers between the judiciary, the executive and the legislature.

According to the King, the present situation whereby the Judiciary depends on the executive for funding, clearly defeats the Separation of Powers concept.

For the Judiciary to be truly independent, Otumfuo suggested that new policies ought to be put in place to stop the Judiciary from depending on the executive for funding.

The Asantehene was delivering an address during the just-ended annual Chief Justice Forum in Kumasi. The forum was under the theme: ‘Quality Judge, Delivering Quality Justice’.

Source: Kwadwo Essel/ thePublisher