Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has lauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the pragmatic implementation of programs and policies that have transformed the judicial system and made the administration of justice better than before.
According to her, the deliberate plan by the President to replace all dilapidated buildings for the judiciary with modern ones and as well, provide new infrastructure, especially, courtrooms and residential facilities to accommodate judges, has impacted positively on the judicial system.
“Mr. Speaker, being a lawyer of 20 years of good standing, I completely appreciate this initiative by the government. Under this government, practicing lawyers are more comfortable in our courtrooms. Sitting in dilapidated courthouses; sweating profusely in our wits and gowns; Mr. Speaker, we can boast that today it is now a thing of the past.”
Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo
For instance, she said the automation of the court system and the introduction of the virtual court system are all initiatives that have significantly increased accessibility to justice delivery.
The Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker praised President Akufo-Addo for the provision of 121 residential units for judges across the country and the soon-to-be-commissioned 12-storey building that was initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The former Deputy Majority Leader said “Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe as a person that every leader must leave a legacy for which he or she would be remembered when he or she is no longer a leader. Just as we remember, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, our first President for the construction of our motorway and many more, this country shall forever be grateful and remember His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the conscious and well-calculated efforts and plan to improve and transform our judicial infrastructure”.
However, the deputy Minority Whip and NDC MP for Bandai, Ahmed Ibrahim, objected to her claims, noting that the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary across the country was the sole initiative of Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, the judiciary infrastructure that is being provided through the District Assembly Common Fund was initiated by Parliament, not President Akufo-Addo. The Court of Appeals houses in Kumasi were initiated by this House, not His Excellency, the President. They all were funded by the District Assemblies Common Fund.”
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim clarified that “it was you as the Speaker, and the Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, as the Minority Leader who said that the court infrastructure in this country is so bad that a portion of the Common Fund disbursement must be allocated for that.”
His concern was re-echoed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, stating “This is the tragedy of this House. You keep on undermining the relevance of Parliament by attributing whatever you do and achieve to others. This was done here in Parliament, and we, year-in-and-year-out, approve the money from the Common Fund to support the judiciary for what you are talking about.
The Speaker disclosed that “the President is taking this away from us, you are supporting him and the judiciary. I have had a personal discussion with the Chief Justice on this and they are aware that we approved the money and we got it released from the Common Fund for the execution of the projects. Now the President is taking credit, and Members are commending him for being his legacy, not yours. How will they see your relevance; how will they value you and how will they support you? But that is what has been captured by the President and so she is commenting on that.”
However, Hon. Adwoa Safo in reaction to the point of order raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, stated that the mention of government refers to all three arms of government.
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