Child-Friendly Gender-based violence court inaugurated in Nalerigu
The child-friendly Circuit court would be the first of it kind to handle cases of domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) in the region.
The Chief Justice, His Lordship Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has inaugurated a High court with additional responsibility as a child-friendly gender-based violence Circuit court in Nalerigu, the regional capital of the North-East Region.
The child-friendly Circuit court would be the first of it kind to handle cases of domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) in the region. The establishment of the courthouse is also expected to end the cost involved in transporting suspects in criminal cases, to elsewhere in Tamale or Bolgatanga.
“Today, we have gathered to inaugurate this courthouse, which has been designated as the high court with additional responsibility as a child-friendly gender-based violence circuit court. This has been made possible by the government which is only financing the construction of this building with resources from the District Assembly Common Fund,” Justice Anin-Yeboah said.
Also funded by UNICEF, the facility includes a waiting room, technical equipment, CCTV, and a small library with literature on child protection for psychologists, lawyers, and parents.
Justice Anin-Yeboah further cautioned chiefs against settling cases of child abuse and domestic violence in their palaces.
“Relegating such cases to tradition, where the adjudicator is the head of the family oo chief, is strongly discouraged. It is an offence to do so under the laws of Ghana. The child-friendly gender-based violence court which hears cases falling within the jurisdiction of a Circuit court is expected to prioritise cases involving domestic and gender-based violence.
"The court has been designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere to child victims in particular and women who are traumatized as a result of domestic and gender-based abuse and are brought to court to testify. It has been purposely built to ensure that such victims have no contact with the perpetrator in the cause of testifying.”
The Regional Minister of the North-East Region, Yidana Zakaria said the establishment of the courthouse will boost the region’s fight against crime.
“We are therefore very optimistic as a Region that the addition of a Circuit Court to the Magistrate Court in Nalerigu will not only bring justice delivery to the doorsteps of the people but be a major boost in the region’s fight against crime and criminal activities,” Mr. Yidana Zakaria said.