Kodie (Ash.) Dec. 2, GNA - The Chief Justice, Mr Justice George Kingsley Acquah, has called on litigants to desist from influencing judicial officers and staff.

He said any member of the public, including judges and staff who may fall foul with the law regarding this social canker would never be spared.

The Chief Justice was inaugurating a district Court at Kodie in the Kwabre District on Thursday.

He said, "It is more virtuous to win one's case on merit". He urged the staff to live above reproach and work conscientiously to redeem the image of the service, saying, "you must not only report for duty early and on time, but you must stay at your desk and work. You must show respect to all manner of people who come before you. You must eschew bribery and corruption".

He also advised the Magistrate, the Registrar and other staff of the Court to rise above all forms of indiscipline and acts of corruption.

"Do not lord it over the people, do not look down upon them, let them see and appreciate politeness, firmness, incorruptibility and above all remarkable dignity in you".

The Chief Justice said District Assemblies have the legal responsibility to assist the Judicial Service to bring the administration of justice to the people.

He commended the Kwabre District Assembly for renovating and refurbishing the old building to pave the way for the opening of the abandoned Court.

He paid glowing tribute to Mr Emmanuel Asamoa Owusu-Ansah, the former Judicial Secretary, and now Kwabre West NPP Parliamentary Candidate through whose efforts and instrumentality the Court had been opened.

Alhaji Akwasi Yeboah, the District Chief Executive, said the Judicial Service plays a unique role in the socio-economic and cultural development of the country.

It does not only lead to proper development of the people but also help to bring about good democratic governance, he added.