Court Complex To Be Built

By Stephen K. Effah
Thursday, 24 July 2008

The Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) is expected to begin construction of a modern five-storey 34-room court complex in March next year, in Accra at Victoriaborg, on a parcel of land adjoining the Cocoa Affairs Court.

The modern court complex will house two Courts of Appeal, High Courts, Circuit and two Magistrates Courts, a banking hall, press centre, clinic, offices for key players in administration of justice and waiting areas among others.

A memorandum of understanding to that effect, between JSG and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to release the Victoriaborg land to the former in exchange for the site housing the Cocoa Affairs Court, was signed on Monday.
SSNIT on the other hand, is expected to develop the Cocoa Affairs Courts site into a commercial facility.

The Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Wood, who signed on behalf of the JSG, said that SSNIT has indicated its intention to fund the construction of the modern court complex.

She said that although the importance of courts in the country cannot be overstated, the current state of the courts has seriously hampered the effective and efficient administration of justice.

Quoting US National Centre for State Courts 1991, she said that court facilities should not only be efficient and comfortable, but should also reflect the independence, dignity and importance in judicial system.

"It is difficult for our citizens to have respect for the courts and law, and for those who work in the court, if the community houses the court in facilities that detract from its stature," she added.

She therefore noted that the completion of the courts complex will therefore go a long way to provide lawyers and court users with a congenial atmosphere to do their work effectively.

Mrs. Wood said that SSNIT has agreed to the JSG’s use of the Cocoa Affairs Courts until the completion of the modern court complex at the Victoriaborg before it develops the area into a commercial facility.

She lauded her predecessors for initiating the deal, and commended the Lands Commission and SSNIT for their various roles in making the asset swap possible.

Mr.Kwasi Boaten, SSNIT general manager in charge of Finance, expressed optimism that the deal will improve the justice delivery system in the country, saying "we believe that rule of law is best ensured where the law recognises the economic and social needs of the people."

He indicated that the provision of adequate facilities for the conduct of judicial business would lead to avoidance of delays in our courts, create convenience for litigants and witnesses.

He said it would also create room for the appointment of adequate number of judges and judicial officers.

Mr Boaten noted that SSNIT has benefited tremendously from the weekend courts introduced this year, adding that between April and June it was able to recover 1,544,340 Ghana cedis.

He therefore urged the JSG to extend the weekend court to Kumasi, Takoradi and Tema.