The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has appealed to the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to champion the establishment of a specialised sanitation court to strengthen the enforcement of environmental sanitation laws and help address the country’s persistent sanitation challenges.
The appeal was made during the Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary Lecture Series held at the Manhyia Palace under the auspices of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Addressing participants at the event, Dr. Amoakohene said the fight against indiscriminate waste disposal requires stronger legal enforcement in addition to public education and periodic clean-up exercises.
He noted that although sanitation offenders are often arrested, delays in prosecuting such cases undermine enforcement efforts and weaken the deterrent effect of existing laws.
According to the Minister, a dedicated sanitation court would facilitate the swift prosecution of sanitation-related offences and ensure offenders are sanctioned promptly.
“The fight against filth requires more than periodic clean-up exercises. It demands strict enforcement of our sanitation laws and a judicial system that can respond promptly to violations,” he said.
Dr. Amoakohene expressed optimism that the Chief Justice would consider the proposal as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s justice delivery system and improve environmental sanitation.
The proposal formed part of discussions during the Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary Lecture Series, which brought together members of the judiciary, traditional authorities, government officials, legal practitioners and other stakeholders to reflect on the evolution of Ghana’s justice system and its contribution to national development.
The Minister believes the establishment of a specialised sanitation court would enhance compliance with environmental regulations, improve enforcement of sanitation laws and contribute to cleaner and healthier communities across the country.
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