The Judicial Service of Ghana has denied allegations of selling a government property previously occupied by the late Supreme Court judge, Justice Samuel Marful-Sau.
Reports surfaced suggesting that the Judicial Service had engaged in the sale of the residence located to the departed Justice at Roman Ridge in Accra.
In a statement released on January 16, 2024, the Judicial Service clarified that on December 28, 2022, it received a letter from the Ministry of Works and Housing expressing the intention to implement a Government Redevelopment Scheme in the Roman Ridge area. As part of this scheme, two properties, previously occupied by Justice Samuel Marful-Sau and Justice Victor Ofoe, were affected by the redevelopment.
The Judicial Service further explained that after considering the accommodation shortage faced by the Judiciary as well as the security and safety requirements of judges, an agreement was reached with the Ministry of Works and Housing. Under this agreement, four housing units were to be allocated to the Judicial Service for use by Superior Court Judges upon completion of the redevelopment project.
The Ministry of Works and Housing, in a separate statement, also denied allegations of collusion with former Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah to sell the lands. The Ministry emphasized that the developments on the mentioned property were covered by a concluded agreement between the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing.
This clarification from the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing aims to address the suspicions surrounding the sale of the government’s property. The Judicial Service defends its decision as a means to address the accommodation deficit faced by the Judiciary while ensuring the welfare and safety of judges.
By Vincent Kubi