By Beatrice Oppon
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has inaugurated a new District Court at Kotobabi in the Ayawaso Central District of Accra.
The facility is one of 100 courthouses to be constructed nationwide to improve Judicial infrastructure and provide access to justice and equal rights for all citizens, as stated in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo said the Judicial Service has embarked on some reforms over the years to improve justice delivery. She, however, mentioned that appropriate infrastructure remains a challenge at the district level, and this can lead to lack of access to justice, which will also negatively impact public confidence in the tools of justice.
The newly opened District Court at Kotobabi in Accra has adequate office space for the various court functions, washrooms for staff and court users, male and female cells, solar power, a standby generator, a borehole to provide sustainable water supply for the washroom, and electric fencing to boost security.
The facility also has a dedicated space for court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo said the country must address challenges to access to justice to guarantee peace, security and boost investor confidence for economic growth.
She was hopeful that cases would be disposed of with a greater sense of urgency.
The Chief Justice used the opportunity to educate the people on the functions of the various courts and ADR centres. She advised the public to refrain from giving money to the staff of the Judicial Service and ADR mediators for their services.
She said the Judicial Service will ensure that the building and its facilities are regularly maintained. She urged residents of Kotobabi and surrounding areas to take advantage of the available court to seek justice and also correct offences.
Municipal Chief Executive of Ayawaso Central, Achibald Mac Amuasi Cobbina, said the opening of the first District Court in the area will help decentralise justice delivery. He pledged the Assembly’s readiness to ensure full maintenance of the building.
The ceremony was attended by a former MP of the area, Sheikh IC Quaye, Assembly Members, traditional leaders, and the clergy.