Ghana has placed a ban on the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets in courts.
The ban was announced by the country’s Judicial Service on Tuesday in Accra. It is seen as an attempt to restrict journalists from effectively covering court proceedings.
A letter from the country’s judicial secretary said “court users are to put off their Mobile phones, electronic devices, recorders, tablets and cameras before they enter the court room”.
It further said that “court users are not allowed to use electronic devices, mobile phones, recorders, tablets and cameras to record or snap court proceedings or any court document without the permission.”
Judges have been told to enforce this new directive in their courts going forward.
Why the ban?
Last month some journalists clashed with a magistrate of a district court who ordered the seizure of mobile phones.
The judge expressed dislike for journalists covering proceedings in her court. She asked that journalists seek clearance before entering the courtroom.
An association of journalists covering the courts in Ghana has expressed concern about the latest ban.
The Judicial Press corps in Ghana says the move is an affront to attempts to “modernize” the judiciary in Ghana.
“The goal must be to make Justice Delivery fast and through all means. And we dare say technology cannot be ignored” it said in a statement.
Outdated practices
Last year there was out-pour of anger from some Ghanaian lawyers and ordinary citizens following a notice from Ghana’s Chief Justice warning judges and lawyers to wear wigs in courtrooms.
The Chief Justice then said the wearing of the wigs “would provide the needed protection and anonymity for judges and enhanced personal security”.
Source: Africafeeds.com
