Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has handed over a dummy cheque of GHC125,000 to victims of the Akosombo Dam Spillage in a ceremony held in Accra. The Chief Justice made the presentation on behalf of the Judiciary and Staff of the Judicial Service of Ghana (JUSAG).
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Justice Torkornoo highlighted that the donation resulted from contributions from both JUSAG and the Judiciary.
She expressed the sympathy of JUSAG and the Judiciary towards the victims and commended the leaders working to improve the situation.
Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized that the funds should be utilized to purchase materials for building shelters for the victims.
She expressed hope that the temporarily closed courts due to the spillage would soon reopen, allowing people to access justice for matters such as letters of administration and adoption.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, revealed that over 12,600 people were displaced due to the spillage, and 21 displaced camps had been set up.
He acknowledged the significant contributions from Ghanaians and expressed surprise and joy at the unexpected donation from the Chief Justice, Judiciary, and JUSAG.
Togbega Patamia Dzekley VII, Paramount Chief of Battor Traditional Area and Vice President of Volta Regional House of Chiefs expressed appreciation for the gesture, stating that the Judiciary had delivered “natural justice” that couldn't be reviewed.
The ceremony was attended by Chiefs, Queen mothers, elders of the Mepe, Dorfor, and Battor Traditional Areas, as well as other justices from the Judicial Service.
Justice Cyra Cynthia P.A. Koranteng, Judicial Secretary, and Justice J. Bartels-Cudjoe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and chairperson of the Committee that solicited funds, were also present.