Western Region: Chief Justice inaugurates two district courts, cautions staff against acts of misconduct

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on Tuesday inaugurated two district courts at Effia Kwesimintsim and Mpohor in the Western Region.

The court facilities form part of the government's 100-court project, in a bid to increase access to justice. 

At a side event for community engagement, Justice Torkornoo urged judicial staff to refrain from any acts of corruption, while also cautioning that her office would not hesitate to apply sanctions for misconduct. 

“The nation deserves better, and l will not hesitate to do away with your service. Just stop it, it’s inappropriate and improper so stop,” she said. 

The community engagement is aimed at demystifying the work of the judiciary and inspiring confidence in the office of the Chief Justice. Through direct engagement with court users, the judiciary hopes to assure citizens of openness and fairness in the justice delivery system. 

Additionally, Justice Torkornoo noted that the judicial service is expanding and refining the Rules of Procedure, adding that in order to deepen public confidence in the judiciary, a complaints unit has been established across the regions. 

"We are demanding accountable services, independence from conflict of interest, and integrity from all our officers around the country."

100 Courts Project

In March of 2022, the government pledged to provide 100 courthouses and accompanying residences for judges and magistrates across the country. 

The project was focus was to ensure access to justice through court infrastructure at various districts across Ghana.

Of the lot, these included a new High Court at Sowutuom, in the Ga-Central Municipality, a court facility at the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region, 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 

This year so far has seen the commissioning of a Circuit court at Dansoman in Accra, the Kasoa High Court, two courts at Juaso and Bompata, both in the Asante-Akim Municipality, a Circuit Court at Juaben in the Ashanti Region, a new district court at  Bonwire in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region, a circuit court at Kluma Dorfor, the North-Tongu district of the Volta Region, and others. 

The highlight of these perhaps was the inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Kumasi, together with twenty (20) townhouses and a guesthouse to serve as a permanent residence for Justices of the Court of Appeal serving the northern sector of the country.