Accra, July 31, GNA - The Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association (CJMA) on Sunday promised a study into the administration of justice by the Ghana's chieftaincy institution.

The Association stated the common interests and duties they shared with traditional rulers and extolled the chieftaincy institution for the maintenance of the rule of law and promotion good governance.

The Association and the chiefs stated they had mutual responsibilities in maintaining the rule of law, when a delegation of the Association, led by its president, Mr Lord David Hope, paid a courtesy call on the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) at the Ga Mantse Palace, at Kaneshie in Accra. The courtesy call precedes an international conference of the Association, being held on the theme: "Judicial Reforms within the Commonwealth, Impact, Driving Force and the Future," being held in Accra from July 31 to August 4, 2005.

In a remark, Mr. Hope said chiefs were an embodiment of knowledge and wisdom, adding that earlier remarks of Nii Adote Obuor II, Acting President of the GTC, exemplified his deep insight of the role of the Association, which had the observance of the rule of law and the spirit of friendship as its cornerstone.

Mr. Hope said the members of the CJMA were judges and magistrates from commonwealth countries both as near as Canada and as far as Tonga. The Association expressed its condolence to the Ga state on the death of the Paramount Chief, and the President of the GTC, Nii Amugi. The Acting President of the GTC, Nii Obuor had in a welcoming statement observed the high level of respect accorded judges because of the confidence the people had in them, declaring that the concerns of judges were also the concern of chiefs.

He wished the delegates successful deliberations at the conference, expressing the hope that the outcome of the conference would benefit Ghana, the Commonwealth and the entire world.

On behalf of Chief Justice Mr George Kingsley Acquah, the delegation presented four bottles of Aromatic Schnapps and one million cedis to the GTC.

Mr. Hope later signed a visitors' book.