Bibiani (W/R), Dec. 19, GNA - The Chief Justice, Mr Justice George Kingsley Acquah, has stated that the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the judicial system in the country is playing a catalytic role in the reduction of huge volumes of cases pending before courts and numerous adjournments that clog the wheels of justice. The system would combine harmoniously with traditional arbitral methods to bring peace and development in the society.

These were contained in a speech read on his behalf by Justice Professor Seth Twum, Supreme Court Judge at the inauguration of a 300 million cedis circuit court building at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai district in the Western region at the weekend.

The project was financed by the district assembly and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area's share of the common fund. Mr. Justice Acquah said with the inauguration of the circuit court is in a bid to give the law-abiding citizens in the area an access to legal justice.

He said the courts are mechanism for the maintenance of law and order to enable people to go about their legitimate duties and interest with minimum risks.

Justice Acquah said with the exception of serious offences such as murder and others classified as first degree felonies or indictable offences, circuit courts have jurisdiction to try all other offences. The Chief Justice said the primary function of a court was to safeguard legality and truth and that any conduct that detract from legality and truth would be stoutly and effectively resisted.

He noted that continuing judicial education and the complaints units are some of the structure put in place to promote efficiency and reduce corruption on the part of some personnel in the Judicial Service. He, however, advised the people not to resort to court action over simple petty squabbles about land disputes when family heads and elders are available for settlement, adding that traditional rulers are better equipped with requisite knowledge and skills for solving such conflicts. He congratulated the district assembly and the MP for their effort in constructing the circuit court building.

Mr Kingsley Adjei-Manu, the District Chief Executive, advised the people not to take the inauguration of the court as an avenue for endless legal battles which would drain their pockets, create misery and waste of productive time.

The DCE pleaded with the chiefs to make their dispute settlements procedures less cumbersome to attract people to seek justice from them instead of solving simple problems in the courts. 19 Dec. 06