The Talensi Traditional Council has said it didn’t send two of its members to influence or entrap Bolgatanga High Court Judge, His Lordship Alexander Graham.
It would be recalled that two individuals, Richard Sunday Yinbil, Secretary to the Paramount Chief of the Talensi traditional area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, and Naab Nyakora Mantii, the chief of Baare in the Talensi district of the Upper East Region were charged with contempt for an act the court said was an attempt to influence a judge.
In a statement signed by Naab Tampelgsong Kun Gaadzom, the Tindongo Naab, for and on behalf of the Talensi Traditional Council, the Council explained that its action was without malice or ill intent.
“The Council did not send the two members to go and influence His Lordship, Alexander Graham in any manner whatsoever. It was simply an invitation extended to His Lordship by the President to see how best litigation on issues concerning lands can be addressed by the Council through its Customary Land Secretariat with the help of the Judge.”
“The two members of the Council did not go to the court to entrap the Judge nor influence his decision on cases pending before him since neither the Council as a body nor the Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, its President is a party to any land case pending in the High Court or any other court in the region. It was an invitation extended to the respected Judge in good faith and not intended to subvert the course of justice in any manner.The council regards the incident as unfortunate, portions of the statement read.
According to the Council, the actions of the judge were surprising because very recently, a criminal case was referred to the Talensi Traditional Council for resolution.
“It must be put on record that on the 25th June, 2022, His Lordship Alexander Graham referred a criminal case titled The Republic V Samuel Yin & 3 Others; Suit No, UE/BG/CT/B1/68/2022 emanating from land litigation at Duusi in the Talensi Traditional Area to the Tongraana to attempt a settlement and with the support of the TTC, the matter was deliberated upon. As recent as the 20th October, 2022, His Lordship Charles Adjei Wilson also referred a case concerning a land dispute in the Tempane District involving natives of that district to the Tongraana and the TTC to attempt a settlement titled Matthew Salimah & 2 Others V Bayata Laar & 4 Others. In the light of these earlier cases which were referred to the Tongraana, it was the respectful view of the Council that no serious problem will arise as there has been such collaboration in the resolution of cases. This well-intended gesture on the part of the Tongraana surprisingly did not sit well with His Lordship, Alexander Graham.”
Read the full statement here: Statement from Talensi Traditional Council.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
