The Judicial Council of Ghana has called on all judges across the country to remain calm in the face of Thursday’s incident at a Kumasi Circuit Court involving members of the Delta Force, a private security body within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Council, in a statement condemning the attack that took place on April 6, said they were in touch with government on the issue of security for judges and judicial staff and additional steps to be taken to avert any such incidents in the future.
These assurances come in the wake of comments by the Association of Magistrates and Judges expressing fear in light of yesterday’s incident.
The Council, in a statement said: “The Judicial Council at an emergency meeting held on the 7th April, 2017, discussed the matter and condemned in the strongest term this brazen and unwarranted assault by members of the group who defied the authority of a duly constituted court of law.
“This act of impunity is not only a grave affront to the independence and dignity of the judiciary, but also an attack on the rule of law and the administration of justice in a constitutional democracy…
“The nation’s attempt at democratic government and enforcement of the rule of law will flounder and fail if such actions are allowed to fester. Meanwhile the Judicial Service appeals to all judges and staff to remain calm and continue to go about their work without fear.
“The Judicial Council takes note of the assurances given by the government with regard to this matter. The Council will keep in touch with government on the issue of security for judges and staff and additional steps to be taken to avert any such incidents in the future.”