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CJ calls for confidence in judicial system
Accra, June 27, Ghanadot/GNA - The Chief Justice, Mrs
Justice Georgina Wood on Friday called for an efficient and
fair judicial system that would enhance investor confidence
and increase foreign investments in the country.
She said for the country to realize its full potential,
investors must have faith in the capability of the judicial
system to resolve business matters effectively.
Mrs Justice Wood was speaking in Accra at a stakeholders'
forum for improving "Doing Business" in Ghana's ranking.
The forum organized by the Judicial Service of Ghana was to
engage its stakeholders in effective dialogue to devise
useful and practical ways for improving the commercial
justice delivery.
Representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry,
President's Special Initiative; Ministry of Justice and
Attorney-General's Department and the Association of Ghana
Industries (AGI) attended the forum.
The rest were from the Private Enterprise Foundation and the
Ghana Chamber of Commerce.
The "2008 Doing Business Report" launched by the
International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank,
the fifth in a series, places Ghana among the top 10
reformers globally for doing business.
However, with regard to the issues of enforcing contracts
and protecting investors, Ghana was ranked 51st and 33rd,
respectively, out of 178 countries in the 2008 annual
rankings.
Mrs Justice Wood said the World Bank survey clearly
indicated that there was still more work to be done to
improve the country's ranking in subsequent studies.
The Chief Justice also stressed the need for the judicial
machinery to act as a catalyst for increased business and
investment activity in the country.
"Our role in this regard is the enforcement of contract and
the protection of investors, a crucial role for creating a
secure and enabling environment for doing business in
Ghana."
Mrs Justice Wood said the Judicial Service had initiated a
number of reforms in infrastructure and procedural issues
that were are ongoing to address the varying needs of the
modern business community in the justice delivery system.
She said the Judiciary had positioned itself in readiness
for the expected commercial disputes likely to flow from
business relationship pertaining to the recent oil find in
the Western Region.
The Chief Justice also challenged civil society to assist
the Judiciary to fight corruption by not only reporting
negative conduct but more importantly to desist from
tempting Judges.
GNA
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