GARIA Supports Chief Justice Torkonoo's LEADing Justice Initiative
The GARIA delegation joined the launch event to herald a new era of transparency, timely resolution, efficiency, and due process in Ghana’s justice system.
The Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors (GARIA) is proud to support Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo’s LEADing Justice Initiative.
Led by Mr. Felix Addo, and the 2023 GARIA Awardee for Outstanding Volunteerism and Managing Partner of B&P Associates, Adelaide Benneh Prempeh and the GARIA delegation joined the launch event to herald a new era of transparency, timely resolution, efficiency, and due process in Ghana’s justice system.
The LEADing Justice Initiative, as unveiled by Chief Justice Torkornoo, represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s legal service delivery landscape. The LEAD acronym which stands for Law, Ethics, Assets, Due Process, and Digitalization, represents a holistic approach to enhancing the country’s Judiciary Service. Digitization of court proceedings and records is a key component of the initiative, ensuring accessibility while also providing training and continuous legal education to the judicial service as a whole.
During the event, Chief Justice Torkornoo highlighted the crucial role of approximately 7000 judiciary officers who assist judges daily in administering justice. She acknowledged that most of them lack direct legal education, which makes comprehensive legal training essential. Her steadfast commitment to providing legal training to these officers underscores the importance of an informed judiciary in upholding justice.
As part of the 12 practice directions and administrative guidelines released under LEADing Justice Initiative, Chief Justice Torkornoo showcased her vision, garnering support from the legal community.
Mr. Felix Addo, President of GARIA, expressed the association’s full support for Chief Justice Torkornoo’s initiatives. Recognizing the significance of transparent and efficient justice delivery, especially in light of the Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Act, 2020 (Act 1015)(CIRA), Mr. Addo affirmed GARIA’s commitment to aiding the Rules of Court Committee in implementing rules associated with the CIRA Act. This will ensure the timely resolution of complex restructuring and liquidation cases thereby easing the doing of business in Ghana. He added that the Restructuring and Insolvency Practice Direction is a crucial step towards the efficient implementation of the CIRA law.
Furthermore, GARIA reiterated its dedication to providing continuous education for all users of the court system, emphasizing the pivotal role of an educated judiciary and legal community in driving legal reforms and advancing justice in Ghana.
In further news for the insolvency and restructuring industry in Ghana, Mr. Felix Addo, indicated that The Chartered Institute of Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Bill had been passed by the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana on 15th March 2024. This is in line with section 171 (2) of the Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Act, 2020 (Act 1015), which mandates the Minister for Justice and Attorney General to establish the Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors (GARIA) under an Act of Parliament within two years of the CIRA 1015 coming into force.
Mr. Addo took the opportunity to thank the Leadership of Parliament, Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Registrar of Companies, and all stakeholders for ensuring the Bill was successfully passed, looking forward to the Bill being assented to in due course. This will undoubtedly enhance the industry and contribute to the overall economic development of Ghana.
