§ Mr. E. EVANSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the regulations governing the jurisdiction which may be exercised by the courts in Ashanti?
§ Dr. SHIELSJudicial procedure in Ashanti is governed by the Administration Ordinance and the Judicature Ordinance of 1920, the latter of which lays down the jurisdiction of the Circuit Judge. In addition to the Superior Court of the Chief Commissioner, whether presided over by the Chief Commissioner himself, or by the Circuit Judge, there are minor Courts, held before the District Commissioners, and there are Native Courts which deal with matters arising in connection with native law and custom. Various Ordinances governing the Courts will be found in the Laws of Ashanti, a consolidated edition of which has recently been published as a supplement to the Laws of the Gold Coast Colony. In addition to these Courts, provision has recently been made by Order in Council for the establishment of a West African Court of Appeal which will deal with appeals both in civil and criminal matters from the Courts in Ashanti.