The first High Court complex at Goaso at the Ahafo Region has been inaugurated as part of the judicial reforms to promote effective justice delivery.
The facility, situated in the regional capital, Goaso, is funded by the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly through its share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
The new court building comes with the registrar’s office, judge’s chamber, docket rooms, bailiffs, recorders, courtroom, cashier, store, general office and other facilities to enhance the delivery of quality justice.
Among the guests who attended the inauguration were traditional leaders, the clergy, judges, lawyers, representatives of the political parties and the security agencies, as well as the general public.
Justice administration at the grassroots
The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, inaugurating the facility, said the establishment of the High Court represented a critical step in bringing justice closer to people at the grassroots level.
This facility significantly establishes a High Court service for the first time in the Ahafo Region, strengthening the administration of justice across the entire region.
He stated that a needs assessment conducted nationwide by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akufo, between 2018 and 2019, revealed that a significant number of court buildings were unfit for court business, some had inadequate office space, and others lacked essential facilities.
The situation thus often forced people to travel a long distance to access court services, undermining the efficient administration of justice.
In response to the findings, the government approved the nationwide construction of court houses and residential facilities implemented by the Ministry of Local Government with support from the DACF.
He said the programme sought to bridge the infrastructure gaps and improve access to justice delivery across the nation.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was optimistic that the facility would go a long way to serve the people of Asunafo North Municipality and also extend services to the surrounding districts.
Steady development
The Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, said the completion of the court complex was one of the efforts to be put in place for the steady development of the region.
She highlighted the construction of meat processing and hatchery factories, the Colleges of Health, and Agriculture as some of the key critical infrastructure being put up.
The Regional Minister, on behalf of the people of the Ahafo Region, also commended President John Dramani Mahama for the projects he had committed to undertake in the region, naming some as the ongoing construction of the Maabang to Goaso road and the Acherensua to Sunyani road to ensure quality road network.
Mrs Gardiner also told the chiefs and residents of the Ahafo Region about the government’s plans to establish a university and a regional hospital in the area, to improve quality healthcare delivery.
She admonished the chiefs and the judiciary staff, who would be posted to the court to ensure maintenance to protect the facility for unborn generations.
Development in peace
The Paramount Chief of Mim, Okofrobuo Dr Yaw Agyei II, who doubles as the Vice-President of Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, praised the MP and MCE for their collaborative efforts for the completion of the high court complex in Goaso.
He expressed the readiness of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs to support the Judicial Service in promoting justice, peace and stability among the people.
“Peace is the path upon which development walks. It is our hope and prayer that this High Court will stand as a beacon of fairness, integrity and truth for generations to come.
Source:
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