HC Deb 27 February 1952 vol 496 cc150-1W
68. Mr. Erroll

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the closing of the Native Authority Court, Wenchi, Gold Coast, on 23rd January, 1952.

Mr. Lyttelton

Because of allegations that the Wenchihene and his counsellors had abused their powers, the Governor, on the advice of the Executive Council, issued a Commission of Inquiry by a Judge of the Supreme Court to investigate the allegations. As the Wenchihene and his counsellors form the Native Authority, and some counsellors are also members of the Native Court, the Wenchi Native Authority and the Court were suspended on 28th January pending the outcome of the inquiry. The inquiry opened on 18th February and is still proceeding.