Nsawam-Adoagyiri (E/R), June 2, GNA – Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has said a vibrant, efficient and effective justice delivery system is a strong defence against maladministration and bad governance in any country.
She said the resilience of the country’s justice system, as established by law, had contributed in no small measure to the collective ability to hold the nation together.
Chief Justice Akuffo made the remarks at the inauguration of the Court Complex of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality, which consists of a High Court, Circuit Court and District Court.
She said the course of the country’s journey, so far, had not been all smooth-sailing, adding: « The nation had to deal with the lack and the distressingly poor state of physical infrastructure that has significantly undermined the efforts to deliver quality justice. »
« Since November, 2017 I have undertaken inspection visits to various parts of the country to inspect the conditions under which our courts operate, » she said.
The Chief Justice said the deplorable state of the court structures and residences of the justices and magistrates was a major challenge.
She said, in accordance with Section 10 of the Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies were to ensure ready access to courts in the districts for the promotion of justice.
« Clearly, this calls for the provision of courthouses to satisfy the justice services needs of each district, as well as suitable residential accommodation for magistrates and circuit court judges, » the Chief Justice said.
She said whatever the reason for failure by the assemblies to comply with the requirements the Judicial Service could not allow the justifiable needs, rights and expectations of the people to be undermined by the excuse of lack of funds to provide the adequate facilities to enhance access to quality justice.
Chief Justice Akuffo said courts housed in premises shared with other organisations and institutions would not be accepted and stressed the need for the assemblies to endeavour to abide by the requirements.
« Courthouses must be stand-alone structures that are well built and fenced to demarcate them from the surrounding neighbourhood. Likewise, residential accommodation for our judges and magistrates must not be open to interference or disturbance from members of the public and litigants.
« They also cannot be accommodated in compounds amongst employees of the Assembly or local civil/public servants. They must be stand-alone premises duly fenced for security and distinction, » she said.
Chief Justice Akuffo commended the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly for showing the way by providing the Court Complex to give opportunity to the citizenry to access justice.
She said the Judicial Service would ensure that the building and the facilities were regularly maintained to continue to provide optimum services to justify the significant investment made by the Municipal Assembly.
She called on the administrative staff of the Judicial Service of the new Court Complex to effectively assist the High Court Judge, the Circuit Court Judge and the District Magistrate to function productively.
The Chief Justice urged them to exhibit high sense of professionalism and avoid attitudes that would backslide the functions of the courts.
GNA
ABD
