Nkroful Magistrate Relocated Over Rent ‘Scam’; Not Galamsey
The latest information is that, the magistrate, actually relocated because of issues of certain allowances hanging on her neck, including her other colleagues.
District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle, Kwesi Bonzoh, who confirmed this, told The Anchor, that contrary to the unfounded claim, the Assembly is informed that the magistrate rather relocated from the area, apparently, because of issues some magistrates are having with the Judicial Service, leading to some of them, having their allowances restricted by the Consolidated Fund.
In a statement, the Assembly explained that deceptively on the blind side of many, some of these magistrates were taking rent allowances from the Fund, while occupying in government bungalows at the same time.
Interestingly, one of such magistrates, according to the DCE, is the Nkroful District magistrate, who has since left the area.
He explained that the action of these magistrates was illegal and so they will be expected to refund such allowances, since they have been occupying bungalows.
MrBonzoh said but the magistrate in her attempt to cover up her illegal action, rather opted to use a different reason for her sudden relocation so that the illegal rent allowances she was receiving would not be forfeited.
“We wish to state that information available to us indicate that the decision by the Magistrate of the Nkroful District Court to relocate out of her official residence has nothing to do with the purported threat to her safety, security and health as a result of alleged illegal mining activity at the back of her bungalow stated in the letter. We are reliably informed that she is only using that as a ploy to move out of her official residence so she can continue enjoying her personal benefit of accommodation/rent allowance from the Judicial Service which she has been directed to forfeit as long as she continues to live in a government bungalow.
“It is, therefore, not surprising to us that the Magistrate did not even deem it necessary to inform us of her decision to relocate until the District Chief Executive (DCE) called her personally on Wednesday July 27th around 6:30 pm, after receiving the letter from the Regional Administrative Officer of the Judiciary Service of Ghana”.
The statement copied to The Anchor dated July 29, and signed by the DCE, also accused the magistrate of treating arrested illegal miners, notoriously known as ‘galameseyers’, with “kid’s gloves” anytime they are brought to her court for prosecution.
“With the specific issue, it might interest you to know that the very Magistrate of the Nkroful District Court, who is claiming that “the galamsey activities ongoing poses a great threat to her life” is the same person who has been frustrating the Assembly’s fight against galamsey by treating galamseyers with kids gloves, when they are arrested and put before her court”, point ‘8’ of the statement said.
The DCE who is the head of the District Security Council (DISEC) explained that the war against illegal mining is fought but said the court which was headed by the magistrate, continuously frustrated their efforts after some illegal miners arrested and were shockingly freed by Her Worship.
He said this and other moves emboldened these illegal miners forcing the Police who they work with, to refuse to go on such operations with them.
The statement noted that, “In a related incident back in 2nd April, 2020, when the District Security Council carried out an operation at illegal mining sites at Anwia and Nkroful, two (2) suspects, Mr. Eric Essien and SeiduTahiru were arrested. Police sent the suspects to court to be remanded in police custody to enable proper investigation to be carried out. On the 3rd of April, 2020, the court thought otherwise and rather granted them bail. (Attached is the police report and the minutes of DISEC meeting held on 5th April, 2020).
Copied to the Chief Justice, Judicial Service and many others, the statement went on: “These incidences have emboldened galamseyers rendering the fight against illegal mining activities in the district very difficult and unsuccessful. For the Nkroful Magistrate Court treats illegal miners with kid gloves and turn round to accuse the Assembly, for failing to stop illegal mining, to say the least, is hypocritical. It is therefore important to state that fighting against illegal mining is not the sole responsibility of the District Assembly and security agencies, but requires collaboration from other stakeholders including judiciary, to nip it in the bud”.
The DCE also rubbished the magistrate’s complaints that the galamsey activities were a threat to her life; saying the said claim was unfounded.
He took the opportunity to explain the security detail of the magistrate which he said could not have posed any danger to her life, as was alleged.
“We wish to state categorically that, before her decision to relocate, there was absolutely no threat to the life and safety of the Magistrate in any way. As Chairman of the Ellembelle District Security Council (DISEC), I know for a fact that the Magistrate has been provided with two police guards, one personal bodyguard and another residence guard detailed to provide her with security. It is, therefore, deceptive for the Magistrate to cite her personal safety and security as reasons for relocating”, he said.
The rebuttal by the DCE follows a letter dated 14th July 2022 addressed to him, indicating that the Nkroful District Magistrate, relocated from her bungalow due to the disturbing activities of illegal miners close to her residence.
The letter by the Regional Administrative Officer in the Western Region, indicated that several complaints about the disturbing development that was threatening the Magistrates’ health had fallen on deaf ears.
Source: Anchorghana
