Corruption In Judicial Service: CJ Urged To Scrutinize Trials In Chieftaincy And Land Dispute Cases

A growing demand has been placed on Acting Chief Justice (CJ) of Ghana's Judiciary, Mr. Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to intensify monitoring and oversight of trial cases related to land and chieftaincy disputes in various courts in the Greater Accra Region.

In response to the rising concerns, the CJ has been urged to implement a comprehensive policy that mandates live broadcasts of trials involving land and chieftaincy disputes. 

This measure is seen as crucial in tackling the increasing corruption within the judicial Service system in Ghana, particularly in high-profile cases.

This call follows reports of escalating tensions and confusion in several communities in Accra, fueled by allegations that a business tycoon has been influencing court rulings related to land and chieftaincy issues. 

The business tycoon, whose name is withheld, is a Nzema by tribe and resides in Cantonment, Accra.

The tycoon has reportedly been involved in manipulating court judgments, causing significant concern among local youths and property developers in the region. 

It is alleged that the tycoon has been using his influence to help wealthy individuals in Accra unlawfully seize land from poorer residents in areas like Nungua, Teshie, Ofankor, and Ngleshie Amanfro.

The businessman is accused of exploiting the legal system to dispossess less privileged individuals of properties in areas like Nungua, Teshie, Ofankor, Ngleshie Amanfro, and others.  

Investigations reveal the businessman frequently hosts judges and judicial staff at his Cantonments residence, allegedly rewarding them for favorable verdicts.

 He is also accused of funding lavish trips for judges and lawyers to destinations like Dubai.  

Youth groups in affected communities have condemned these actions, demanding urgent intervention. 

Sources claim that the tycoon frequently invited judges and staff from the Judiciary Service of Ghana to his private residence in Cantonment for social gatherings after helping him secure favorable judgments. 

Further allegations suggest that he has even sent some of these judges and lawyers on trips to Dubai for leisure.

The youth in areas such as Nungua, Teshie, Ofankor, Ngleshie Amanfro, Cantonment, Labone, La, and Labadi have strongly condemned the business tycoon’s actions. 

They are now calling on CJ Baffoe-Bonnie to take immediate action by collaborating with the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to install CCTV cameras in strategic locations around the Cantonment area. 

The youth believe that these cameras will expose judges and court workers who regularly visit the tycoon’s residence.

In addition to the corruption in the land disputes, the youth have also raised concerns about the chieftaincy affairs in Greater Accra. 

They have called on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to intervene and instruct the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs (GARHC) to cease handling chieftaincy matters.

The youth argue that some of the chiefs who sit on the GARHC’s Judicial Committee are themselves embroiled in ongoing legal disputes over their chieftaincy statuses. 

They believe it is a violation of legal principles for these chiefs to be involved in adjudicating chieftaincy disputes while their own cases remain pending in the courts.

Furthermore, the youth have demanded the immediate reshuffling of the current Registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs to ensure a more transparent and efficient handling of chieftaincy matters.

The growing public outcry highlights the need for urgent reforms to address the corruption allegations and improve the integrity of the judiciary and chieftaincy institutions in the region.