Akufo-Addo is Taking Undue Credit For Reforms in Judicial System - Speaker Bagbin
She commended the president for his deliberate efforts to replace outdated judicial buildings with modern infrastructure, including courtrooms and residential facilities for judges, resulting in a more efficient administration of justice.
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During a debate on the president's State of the Nation address in Parliament on March 4, 2024, Safo highlighted the positive impact of initiatives such as the automation of the court system and the introduction of virtual court proceedings, which have enhanced accessibility to justice delivery. She emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy, drawing parallels with the iconic projects undertaken by Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
As a seasoned lawyer with two decades of experience, Safo expressed her full support for the government's efforts to improve judicial infrastructure, noting that practicing lawyers now enjoy more comfortable courtrooms. She emphasized the transformation from dilapidated courthouses where legal professionals would sweat profusely in their wigs and gowns to modern, efficient facilities.
However, Deputy Minority Whip and NDC MP for Bandai, Ahmed Ibrahim, challenged Safo's assertions, attributing the provision of judiciary infrastructure across the country to initiatives by Parliament rather than President Akufo-Addo. He clarified that projects such as the Court of Appeals houses in Kumasi were initiated and funded through the District Assembly Common Fund, with approval from the parliamentary body.
During a debate on the president's State of the Nation address in Parliament on March 4, 2024, Safo highlighted the positive impact of initiatives such as the automation of the court system and the introduction of virtual court proceedings, which have enhanced accessibility to justice delivery. She emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy, drawing parallels with the iconic projects undertaken by Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
As a seasoned lawyer with two decades of experience, Safo expressed her full support for the government's efforts to improve judicial infrastructure, noting that practicing lawyers now enjoy more comfortable courtrooms. She emphasized the transformation from dilapidated courthouses where legal professionals would sweat profusely in their wigs and gowns to modern, efficient facilities.
However, Deputy Minority Whip and NDC MP for Bandai, Ahmed Ibrahim, challenged Safo's assertions, attributing the provision of judiciary infrastructure across the country to initiatives by Parliament rather than President Akufo-Addo. He clarified that projects such as the Court of Appeals houses in Kumasi were initiated and funded through the District Assembly Common Fund, with approval from the parliamentary body.
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The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who presided over the sitting, expressed his dismay. "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 actually 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 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 and 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," he said.
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Adwoa Safo, a former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, responded to the point of order raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, stating that the mention of government refers to all three arms of government. "The mention of my government by the president includes efforts and initiatives achieved collaboratively by all three arms of government," she explained.
Expanding on her remarks, she praised the president for appointing another woman, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Eassaba Sackey Torkornoo, as Chief Justice of the land, emphasizing that "this is good for feminism and gender equality and serves as a positive role model for young girls and women who aspire to follow in our current Chief Justice's footsteps."
Despite this, the Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker commended President Akufo-Addo for providing 121 residential units for judges nationwide and highlighted the upcoming commissioning of a 12-storey building initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Adwoa Safo, a former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, responded to the point of order raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, stating that the mention of government refers to all three arms of government. "The mention of my government by the president includes efforts and initiatives achieved collaboratively by all three arms of government," she explained.
Expanding on her remarks, she praised the president for appointing another woman, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Eassaba Sackey Torkornoo, as Chief Justice of the land, emphasizing that "this is good for feminism and gender equality and serves as a positive role model for young girls and women who aspire to follow in our current Chief Justice's footsteps."
Despite this, the Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker commended President Akufo-Addo for providing 121 residential units for judges nationwide and highlighted the upcoming commissioning of a 12-storey building initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
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