Monday, December 17, 2012

It will be diplomatically and politically unwise for Ghana to say NO- a Maritime law analyst



A maritime law analyst, Stanley Ahorlu has urged Ghana to adhere to the UN Court ruling that the confiscated Argentine Naval vessel ARA Libertad be released to the Argentine country.

The Argentine ship has been under detention in Ghana at the Tema Port since October 2 following a local court order that the ship is kept in the country due to Argentina's unamortized debt to hedge fund, NML Capital.

The case was taken to the UN Court which gave its outright verdict on Saturday that Ghana releases the ship to its owners.

In reaction to the court order, the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Chris Kpodo stated in statement that a decision will be taken in accordance with the national constitution and the nation’s international obligations.

Notwithstanding the Deputy Minister’s assertion, Lawyer Ahorlu indicated in an interview with Citi FM, that the country should first comply with the UN Court order before considering any other options.

To him, he thinks that “where an order such as an order of the court; the UN Tribunal for the resolution of matters relating to the convention of its concern, a government which is signatory to that convention cannot simply just ignore the decision or the order of the court.”

He advised government to opt for an appeal in court if it is dissatisfied with the UN court verdict but asserted it “will be diplomatically and politically unwise” to decline the ruling. 

Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw

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