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Make public sanctions to staff of judicial service public – Apremdo Chief to CJ
Nana Kwamena (middle) assisting Justice Torkornoo (secondleft) to inaugurate the EKMA Court at Apollo,
Apremdo. Left is the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-
The Divisional Chief of Apremdo, Nana Egya Kwamena XI, has requested the Judicial Service to make public sanctions meted out to staff for any breach of conduct and ethical behaviours.
“The Judicial Service must ensure the extensive dissemination of information on substantiated petitions filed against its personnel,” he added.
According to him, this will give the farmer and market woman confidence, knowing that the Judicial Service has ears to listen.
Nana Kwamena XI made the call on Monday when the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo, opened the new Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) Court at Appollo, Apremdo, to enhance accessto justice in the municipality.
He said very often, there were cases of unprofessionalism by some Judicial Service staff who tainted the image of the service, but, was worried that there were no clear ways for victims to report.
“It must be easier for victims to lodge complaints against any member of the Judiciary or court staff who makes any unlawful demands, in performing his or her duties, for disciplinary action to be taken.”
On land matters, Nana Kwamena said, apart from Burma Camp, Apremdo was the only community in Ghana that had released lands to the Government of Ghana to establish two military barracks, Air Force and Second Infantry (2BN) army barracks.
However, since their grandfathers released these lands to the Government to protect the air space and the land territories of Ghana, “successive governments have not paid the due compensation for both lands.”
The situation, the Apremdo Chief reported, had created tension between the families and the military units over land encroachment, adding, “In as much as Apremdo is giving lands to promote administration of justice to the people of Ghana, we hope the Judicial Service of Ghana will be responsive enough to hear cases on time.”
In response, Justice Torkornoo encouraged the public to holdthe JudicialService accountable for its duties and performances.
She urged the public, court users and clients to show interest in cases in courts and petition the Chief Justice if they believed their cases were unduly delayed.
She also assured that the Judicial Service was poised to ensure that staff adhered to dictates and ethics of their work and ensure a smooth administration of justice to the citizenry no matter their social status.
Justice Torkornoo stressed, “As public officers, judges, registrars, bailiffs, mediators, we are paid for the work we do and it is high time we advance honest, fair and transparent justice system devoid of extortion of monies from clients to retain confidence in the justice system of the country.”
“We are not a law onto ourselves and we are not here to traumatise citizens. We must be held accountable. Any court user who thinks his/ her case is being delayed must petition the Chief Justice -Ethical questions are a concern to the Judiciary,” she said.
Justice Torkornoo further urged staff of the Judicial Service to make the courts comfortable, accessible and also give solace to bruised users and clients.
She said, “The courthouse is comparable to hospitals, people come here because they are in dire need of care, be it emotional, psychological and social – ours is tosooth their pains and not to even bruise their wounds harder with unwanted behaviours.”
From Clement Adzei Boye, Apremdo
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Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Police confirm arrest of two suspects in Asankrangwa murder case
The Western Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man at the Asankrangwa Education Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, ASP Beatrice Turkson, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was chased and stabbed multiple times by a group of people.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the deceased and one of the suspects, identified as 36-year-old Kwasi Opong.
According to the police, swift action led to the arrest of Opong and another suspect, 23-year-old William Francis Osei. Both are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect who is still on the run.
The police noted that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The Command assures the public that all persons connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
