The Chief Justice, Mr.. Justice I. K. Abban, has sworn-in 15 newly appointed Chairpersons of Community Tribunals in Accra. He called on them to cooperate with their panel members in the discharge of their duties. Mr.. Justice Abban said though tribunal panel members are not lawyers, the Chairman should not force their views on them. The opinions and views of panel members should be respected, he stressed. The Chief Justice said that the law does not confer on the Chairpersons a veto power over the opinions of the other panel members. He asked them to study the law and bye-laws of the District Assemblies to enable them to assist the Assemblies in enforcing environmental, forestry and revenue collection laws and regulations. Mr.. Justice Abban reminded the Chairpersons of the need to prevent over-crowding in the prisons. This, they can do by keeping within the law in granting bail and giving reasonable sentences that will reform the convict. Adjournments should also be given sparingly. The Chairpersons, including four women, took the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath.
End.
