Hogbetsotso Za: Ruling on motion for dismissal of suit against Anlo Traditional Council set for Nov. 2
The Sogakofe High Court has set 2nd November 2023 to give a ruling on a motion praying the court to dismiss a writ filed by some Anlo youth seeking the Anlo Traditional Council to render accounts of proceeds of the Hogbetsotso Za.
Presiding Judge, Justice Daniel Mensah says this would give him ample time to study the case and deliver an informed judgment.
Awadada Agbesi Awusu II, Torgbi Zewu II, Cilas Aidam and some members of the Hogbetsotso Za local planning committee were hauled to court by leaders of the Anlo Progressive Youth for Accountability and Development, Ahialengor Albert and Atsu Tetteh.
The plaintiffs in their writ pleaded with the court to among others order a forensic audit into the proceeds of the Hogbegbetso Za between 2011 and 2023, and compel the defendants to refund, if found culpable of malfeasance and misappropriation.
The defendants through their counsel filed a motion questioning the qualifications of the plaintiffs to ask for accountability from their leaders, seeking the court to throw out the writ.
The lawyer, Gershon Gunu argued that his clients have satisfied the laid down structures of the Anlo Traditional Council, which indicates that accounts are rendered to the General Council of Chiefs and Congress of Chiefs.
He said that the structures do not indicate that the traditional council should account to individuals, as the plaintiffs are seeking.
The Council for the Plaintiffs, Samuel Kisiedu objected to the motion and indicated that no law requires an individual to belong to a registered association before demanding accountability from authorities.
He said that any individual has the right to ask his or her leaders to account for their stewardship through the court.
He, therefore, urged his clients to remain calm and have faith in the law to address their concerns and grievances.
Source: Ghana News
