General News of Monday, 7 October 2019

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Mahama, Ghana Bar Association meet over deficiencies in Ghana justice system

Former President John Dramani Mahama play videoFormer President John Dramani Mahama

Former President John Mahama together with some NDC national executives today held a consultative meeting with the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) ahead of developing the party’s manifesto and campaign for 2020 elections.


He led discussions on a number of subject areas, including corruption and a number of issues the Ghana justice system is faced with.


Notwithstanding, Mr. Mahama reiterated NDC’s commitment towards a sustained development of all sectors of the economy hence the plan to gather solutions that are in tune with citizens’ aspirations from various groupings in the country.


Focusing on the need to carry out reforms that would enhance the effective dispensation of justice in the country, Mahama stressed on the need to make legal services accessible to all citizens.


“I think that it is important that justice is available to the generality of our population. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Depending on where you are geographically you can have access or be denied, both in terms of the availability of points of contacts with the justice system or in terms of representation”.


He also highlighted the need to strengthen local justice systems in rural districts by establishing “close-to-home”, “low-cost village” courts.


“In many of our districts, we don’t have courthouses. People have to travel long distances to be able to respond to the system of justice. I have been an MP before and I know what it takes.” He established.


The former president was accompanied by the National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, former Defense Minister, Dr Benjamin Kumbour, Majority leader, Haruna Idrisu and Inusah Fuseini.

Other members of the party’s legal team including; Mr. Abraham Amaliba, Madam Betty Mould Idrissu, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe and Sylvester Mensah.