Kwesimintsim, Ghana - Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo inaugurated two new District Courthouses in Kwesimintsim and Mpohor in the Western Region, urging the public to refrain from corrupting court officers. The inauguration is part of a broader government initiative to improve judicial infrastructure across the country.
According to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) , during the inauguration events which were part of her Community Sensitisation Programme themed 'Improving Justice through Community Engagement,' she emphasized the detrimental impact of corruption on the judiciary's image. She advised the public to make payments into the government chest rather than to individual court officers, asserting that such practices have normalized bribery for case resolutions.
The newly inaugurated courthouses, a component of the government's project to construct 100 Courthouses nationwide initiated in 2020, are equipped with modern amenities. These facilities include adequate office space, separate washrooms for staff and court users, male and female cells, solar power, standby generators, boreholes for sustainable water supply, and electric fencing for enhanced security. Additionally, the buildings feature dedicated spaces for court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The Chief Justice's initiative aims to demystify the judiciary's operations and build confidence and trust in justice delivery. This involves educating the public about the judiciary's functions at local and district levels and promoting transparency through interventions like the Public Complaints Unit.
Chief Justice Torkornoo called on the staff of the Judicial Service to embody the principles of justice, honesty, fairness, and transparency. She highlighted the importance of the public's perception of the courts as fair and just, to increase confidence in the legal system and thus contribute to the country's peace and stability.
The Chief Justice also underscored the significance of public awareness regarding the jurisdiction of courts and the law. She encouraged the use of Courts-Connected ADR for its effectiveness in maintaining peaceful coexistence and preserving relationships. Importantly, she cautioned against paying mediators in the ADR process, noting that they are compensated by the government. She also warned bailiffs against demanding payments from citizens, asserting her commitment to maintaining high standards in the service.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, expressed optimism that the new facilities would enhance the work environment for judicial officers, thereby promoting law, order, peace, and stability in the region. He called on the judiciary to use this opportunity to make the court system more accessible and efficient for the people.