SUPREME COURT @ 150 ANNIVERSARY: Asantehene Calls for Stronger Judiciary–Chieftaincy Collaboration

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for stronger collaboration between Ghana’s traditional leadership and the country’s judicial system, stressing that both institutions are indispensable to preserving peace, justice and national development.

Delivering the keynote address at the Supreme Court at 150 Anniversary Lecture Series held at the Jubilee Hall of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene said Ghana’s constitutional democracy recognizes the complementary roles of the chieftaincy institution and the judiciary.

He noted that the 1992 Constitution safeguards the institution of chieftaincy and grants it an important place in the country’s governance framework.

According to him, while the Constitution gives the Judicial Committee of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs exclusive jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, the Supreme Court continues to play a vital role in interpreting the Constitution and defining the limits of those jurisdictions. He said the relationship between the two institutions should be viewed as one of partnership rather than confrontation.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged stakeholders to provide greater clarity on the constitutional boundaries between the traditional dispute resolution system and the jurisdiction of the regular courts.

He also called for improvements in the registration of chiefs, emphasizing that Regional Houses of Chiefs should continue to facilitate the transmission of chieftaincy records to the National House of Chiefs in accordance with constitutional and statutory provisions to promote transparency and certainty.

Concluding his address, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended the Supreme Court for its 150 years of service to Ghana’s justice system and expressed confidence that continued dialogue between the judiciary and the institution of chieftaincy would strengthen constitutional governance, preserve the country’s rich customary heritage and promote lasting peace and national cohesion.

A Justice of the Supreme Court who doubles as the the Chairman of Supreme Court @ 150 Anniversary Committee, His Lordship Justice Adjei Frimpong said Justice Adjei-Frimpong explained that the lecture series forms part of activities marking 150 years of the Supreme Court and is intended to promote thoughtful reflection on the evolution of justice delivery in Ghana.

He said the initiative provides an opportunity to examine the history of the judiciary, assess its current state, and explore reforms needed to strengthen the justice system in the years ahead.

Osempakani Sampson/ Kessben NewsRoom