body-container-line-1

CJ's absence at SONA explained

By MyJoyOnline
Politics CJ's absence at SONA explained
FEB 23, 2017 LISTEN

The Judicial Service of Ghana has reacted to false claims that the Chief Justice, George Wood, has proceeded on leave, explaining that she is attending a Conference in Egypt.

The Service clarifies that the Chief Justice is in Cairo, Egypt for a three-day Regional Conference of Chief Justices, Presidents of Supreme Courts, Constitutional Courts and Heads of Judiciaries in Africa.

The Conference, which is forms part of a framework aimed at strengthening cooperation between Egypt and other African countries, began on Monday, February 20, 2017.

The Judicial Service have had to issue the statement on the whereabouts of the Chief Justice following speculations about why she was absent from President Nana Akufo-Addo’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.

It was speculated that Mrs. Wood's absence meant she would soon retire.

However, the statement from the Judicial Service revealed that the Chief Justice left Ghana on Saturday, February 18, 2017, for the Conference, and per the constitution, Justice William Atuguba, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court Bench, performs the functions of the Chief Justice.

“The Service is therefore disappointed that media houses which published the misleading story could not cross-check their facts with the Service before publication,” the statement, signed by the Director of the Communications, Grace Tagoe, said.

“The Service wishes to assure the general public that any news about that retirement of the Chief Justice when it is due, will be communicated as such,” it added.

The Chief Justice is expected to return to Accra on Thursday, February 23, 2017.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN

body-container-line