General News of Friday, 10 August 2012

Source: GNA

Late President Mills relationship with Judiciary was cordial-Chief Justice

The Chief Justice, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, on Thursday noted that late President John Evans Atta Mills relationship with the Judiciary was cordial and was respected by the Judicial service.

She said the Judicial Service under the leadership of the late President Mills continued to thrive, adding that “Late President Mills listen when we complain, and strive to meet our needs.”

Justice Theodora Wood made the observation in a tribute read on her behalf for the Judicial Service by Justice William A. Atuguba, Deputy Chief Justice in honour of the late President Mills in Accra.

She said July 24, 2012 was a very eventful day for the Judiciary and the judicial service, “we were in shock when we had to suddenly process the news of the death of late President Mills, prepare for the swearing-in of the new President and participate in the processes for his transition.”

Justice Wood said the late President had great respect for the rule of law and the doctrine of separation of powers, and as a distinguish member of the legal profession, he translated his effort into helping the Judiciary with a lot of infrastructure.

She expressed the condolences of the Judicial Service to Mrs Dr Naadu Mills and Samuel Kofi Mills, wife and son respectively of late President Mills and assured Ghanaians of the judicial independence.

Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who read a tribute on behalf of Parliament, said the late President was a humble man and that there was no doubt that professor Mills was a national asset and remained a gentle President for Ghana.

Dr Kwabena Adjei, National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) also read a tribute by the Party in honour of the late President and former leader of the Party.

A Nigerian Delegation, led by Olutumbe Adolene, Governor of Ekiti State also read a tribute on behalf of the people of Ekiti State.

Mr. Fred Oware, First Vice Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) also read a tribute in honour of the late President Mills.**