Hearing of family corruption cases that come before the courts will be given the same priority as other criminal and civil cases.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer made the assurance during the opening of the 2015 legal year on Monday at the High Court.
Sir Albert said priority will be given to the disposal of corruption cases that come through the courts.
He said the recent audit report of the 2011-2012 and 2013 year speaks volumes about the way Government Ministries account for Government monies.
“It is disgraceful.
“Surely someone or some person in the chain must be held accountable for those monies not properly accounted for.
“Money cannot just disappear into thin air and someone at the end of the day in those respective ministries is responsible for requiring accountability of Government funds.”
Sir Albert said he does not think there is any problem with systems and processes and accountable mechanisms that have been put in place under the Financial Instructions, Stores Instructions, General Orders and the relevant Public Finance and Audit Act.
He said someone is simply not doing their duty to check and account for those monies.
“The Government must get its house in order as a matter of priority.
“In the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and National Judiciary, it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure the Government finances are accounted for properly and spent wisely.
“It is unacceptable that while some Government Ministries are acting responsible some are squandering people’s money which could be utilized for much needed public and essential services.
Sir Albert said for a start, the Government must allow appointments to key positions in the Government on merit and suitability grounds to ensure that the best public servant man has the top posts in the Public Service and not cronies and relatives.
He said having the right leaders for this developing nation at this point of time is critical for the future.
“We need leaders who know what nation building is about, who know what law making is about and the importance of having laws enacted, amended and improved upon and the implementation of those laws for the good of this nation.”
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
