Lack of substantive Magistrates to preside over cases in courts in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality in the Central Region has become a source of worry to some residents and litigants in the area.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, George Anane Coleman explained that due to the absence of a substantive Magistrates, the development has led to delays in the dispensation of justice, leaving many residents frustrated and concerned about the safety of their communities.
The Chairman of the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) disclosed in an interview with 3News at the back of reports that illegal mining activities on surge in the municipality.
“We have district court, Circuit Court and High Court in the Dunkwa township, unfortunately, all the three courts don’t have a Judge and as usual, it affects justice delivery…people have issues that need to be adjudicated but it delays a lot,” Anane Coleman bemoaned while he appealed to the central government for immediate solution.
The MCE said people’s freedom are being curtailed as suspects are put behind bars more than the stipulated 24 hours.
“Some are put behind bars for the mandatory 24 hours and they are sent before court and there is no judge to hear their case. A lot goes into it when there is no judge to hear them”, Anane Coleman pointed out.
The MUSEC chairman added that his outfit has officially written several correspondence to appropriate quarters but no positive response has been received.
“We have officially notified people who are in charge of these things and we hope very soon some will come but I don’t know what is causing the delay,” George Anane Coleman expressed deep concern.
By Benjamin Aidoo
