REPUBLIC V. VOLTA REGION CHIEFTAINCY COMMITTEE & ANOTHER; EX PARTE ASOR II

FRANCOIS J.

In these proceedings, counsel moves on behalf of the applicant, Togbe Afede Asor, for the prerogative order of prohibition “to stop the Volta Region Chieftaincy Committee inquiring into whether the paramount stool of Ho Traditional Area belongs to or should be occupied by a citizen of either Dome or Bankoe.” The circumstances which gave rise to this application are as follows: A committee of inquiry was appointed to inquire into and submit recommendations to the government on the qualification of membership of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs. Six terms of reference were set out in the instrument establishing the said committee.

It appears that during the course of the inquiry, questions relating to the applicant in respect of his capacity as a chief of Ho, and in some cases challenging his status, were raised. Objections have consequently been taken to the evidence so received as breach of the committee’s jurisdictional powers.

In dealing with this matter, I am adopting a…