Publication: Adzina : An Indigenous System of Trial by Jury on the Ghana-Togo Border
Date
2003-08
ISSN
Published
2003-08
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
In a recent article in this series, the
author discussed the indigenous principles that undergird
the maintenance of social control among Buems of Buem-Kator
on the Ghana side of the Ghana-Togo border in the Buem
Traditional Area in the Jasikan District in the Volta Region
of Ghana. The current article, too, is about the same Buems.
In this one, the author presents the indigenous Buem jury
system, known as adzina. But before discussing the nature
and process of adzina, he first discusses bate kate, which
is the Buem forum for adjudication of which adzina is an
integral part. According to the Buem elders, Buems make it a
point to try to avoid bate kate which they consider to be
adversarial and time-consuming, not only to the disputants,
but also to their respective kinsfolk who are customarily
obliged to accompany them to hearings. Unlike benyaogba
ukpikator-discussed in the article earlier mentioned -bate
kate is a more elaborate process, which proceeds in stages
and normally involves intensive cross-examination and
assembling of witnesses and, where necessary, exhibits. In
terms of monetary outlay too, bate kate can be expensive.
This is because fines, and in some cases, costs are imposed
on convicted parties.
Citation
“World Bank. 2003. Adzina : An Indigenous System of Trial by Jury on the Ghana-Togo Border. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Notes; No. 59. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/486b3f04-3e52-5e26-a3f8-3245c8228e7e License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”