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Don’t settle rape, defilement cases at home – Appeals Court Judge
Justice Mensah -Homiah addressing participants at the durbar
An Appeals Court Judge, Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, has urged opinion and community leaders not to entertain or settle cases of crime at home.
“When Imams, market queens, parents, families, come to you, don’t settle these serious cases like rape or defilement, at home. It’s the jurisdiction of the courts. It’s not all matters that are amenable to settlement,” she stressed.
Justice Mensah-Homiah gave the advice at a durbar held last Friday, to mark the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) week in the Western Region on the theme “Building pillars of justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).”
Quoting Section 1 of the ADR Act 2010, Act 798, she explained “Clearly cases which cannot be settled by ADR include matters pertaining to the national or public interest, the environment, the enforcement and interpretation of the Constitution and any other matter that by law cannot be settled by an alternative dispute resolution method.”
“So for cases like galamsey and corruption, we will litigate in court,not at home. However, for ‘smaller’ cases like insulting someone, you can settle them at home,” Mrs Mensah-Homiah told the gathering.
She explained that any court, with criminal jurisdiction may promote reconciliation, encourage and facilitate a settlement in an amicable manner of any offence not amounting to crime.
She said, the settlement might not be aggravated in degree, on payment of compensation or on other terms approved by the court before which the case was tried.
Justice Mensah-Homiah said “The Court shall have a duty to encourage the amicable resolution of commercial claims and early settlement of pending commercial litigation by voluntary action of the parties in accordance with the provisions of this Order.”
“Our Courts can only be said to be ‘user-friendly’ when the adjudication process was expeditious, transparent, devoid of unnecessary expense and cases were completely and effectively determined”, she said.
The Judicial Service, Mrs Mensah- Homiah said, adopted ADR in 2005, to enhance access to Justice, promote privacy, encourage and build relationships, adding it promoted voluntary settlements.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Fijai
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
