Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
At the commissioning event of the twelve-storey office complex of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized the tremendous progress his administration has made in fortifying Ghana’s judicial system.
Stressing the value of the rule of law as the cornerstone of any flourishing democracy, the President presented a number of initiatives aimed at modernizing and digitizing the nation’s legal and judicial processes.
Among the major accomplishments was the introduction of electronic filing systems within the judiciary, a ground-breaking move that has significantly reduced reliance on paper-based documentation and streamlined judicial procedures. Attorneys and litigants can now file documents electronically.
This digital transformation has not only expedited the handling of cases but also enhanced transparency and accountability within the legal system, making justice more accessible and efficient for all Ghanaians.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving judicial infrastructure. Since taking office in 2017, the government has made unprecedented progress in the provision of court buildings and residences for judges across the country.
The administration started a large-scale project in 2020 to build 100 courthouses with residential amenities across the country. seventy-nine courthouses had been successfully inaugurated and were in operation at various locations as of February 2024. The remaining twenty-one projects were in varying states of completion and should be completed within the year.
One hundred and twenty-one residential units have also been developed for judges, and twenty completely furnished four-bedroom homes with social facilities have been established for Justices of the Court of Appeal in Kumasi.
“These efforts aim to address the perennial problem of insufficient court infrastructure in Ghana,” President Akufo-Addo stated. “We are committed to providing the necessary resources and environment to support our judiciary, ensuring that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.”
Beyond infrastructure, the Akufo-Addo administration has taken significant steps to enhance access to justice for all Ghanaians, regardless of their socio-economic status. Until 2022, the Legal Aid Commission had only six vehicles, the last of which was acquired in 2007. Through the intervention of the Attorney-General, a total of ninety-one vehicles have been procured for the Attorney-General’s Office, with thirteen of these delivered to the Legal Aid Commission. This increase in resources has expanded the coverage of legal aid services, enabling indigent persons to obtain legal representation and advice. “This has gone a long way in bridging the justice delivery gap, ensuring that access to justice is not a privilege reserved for the few but a right enjoyed by all,” President Akufo-Addo emphasized.
The administration’s efforts to bolster the capacity of the Attorney-General’s Office have also yielded significant benefits. The office is now capable of handling numerous international arbitration cases without recourse to foreign or external counsel, representing a marked departure from previous practices.
This strengthened capacity has enabled the office to advocate effectively for Ghana’s interests on the international stage, achieving favorable outcomes and reducing the costs of proceedings. “This strategic enhancement underscores our commitment to self-reliance in legal matters and showcases the proficiency of domestic legal talent in managing complex international disputes,” the President remarked.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted his administration’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption. Recognizing that corruption thrives in an atmosphere conducive to concealment, the government has taken proactive measures to promote transparency and accountability. In its first term, the administration ensured the passage of the Right to Information Act, 2019, to foster a culture of transparency in public affairs.
Additionally, the Witness Protection Act, 2018, was enacted to offer protection to individuals cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases, particularly those involving public officials.
Further legislative measures include the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2020, which categorizes corruption as a felony and imposes stiffer penalties, and a series of other laws aimed at enhancing the state’s capacity to combat corruption. President Akufo-Addo emphasized that his administration would not set aside due process and the rules of natural justice in the fight against corruption, regardless of public opinion. “For my part, I will not set aside due process on the altar of the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this incurs for me,” he stated firmly.
The President urged all Ghanaians to respect the values of justice, integrity, and the rule of law as he wrapped up his speech. In addition to thanking everyone who helped make the Law House project a reality, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting a prosperous and just society for all.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
