By Agbaxode Emmanuel, GNA
Akatsi (V/R), Jan. 26, GNA – The African
Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) has held a two-day seminar on access to
justice through the introduction of the Court Users Committee (CUC) in the
Akatsi South District of the Volta region.
The seminar, with support from STAR- Ghana
with funding from the European Union attracted representatives from traditional
rulers, religious leaders, Social Welfare officers, Judicial Service staff,
staff of Commission on Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) as well
as officers from the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the
Ghana Police.
The project is a 2-year (2018 – 2020)
intervention, aimed at empowering citizens to develop positive relationship
with the Judiciary for improved justice delivery for the voiceless and the
vulnerable, especially women in Ghana.
It was on the theme, “Strengthening Civic
Participation & Social Accountability in Justice Delivery.”
Miss Edna Kuma, Executive Director of
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), said the CUC was formed to assist
those who had no knowledge in accessing justice.
“AWLA is convinced that, the implementation
of the project has immensely benefited the vulnerable in the quest to improve
justice delivery.
“It will also contribute to the attainment
of the objectives of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), which
identifies poor participation of citizens in the judicial processes as a bane
for anti-corruption strategies,” she said.
Mr. Michael Tormeti, Akatsi South Director
of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice CHRAJ and Chairman
of the Court Users Committee (CUC) expressed satisfaction at the activities of
the Committee.
He said the Committee would continue aiding
individuals to have easy access to justice.
Participants answered questions on distance
to courts, knowledge of court processes, and access to legal representation,
delays, bribery, confidence in court process and efficiency of the court.
GNA