Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has highlighted the judiciary’s unyielding commitment to enhancing the caliber of justice provided, even though there remains significant room for further progress.
She emphasized that in addition to establishing physical courtrooms and refining procedural protocols, the Judicial Service is equally dedicated to cultivating higher ethical standards among its personnel.
Chief Justice Torkornoo made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the Ayensuano District Court situated in Kraboa Coaltar, Eastern Region.
The inaugurated courthouse is a part of the government’s nationwide initiative launched in 2020 to construct 100 courthouses, aimed at elevating the state of judicial infrastructure.
This facility boasts ample office space to accommodate diverse court functions, restrooms for both staff and court users, segregated male and female detention cells.
Moreover, it is equipped with solar power systems for essential functions, a backup generator, and a borehole to ensure sustainable water supply. Additionally, a dedicated area has been designated for Court Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), furnished with a Direct Transcription System to expedite the adjudication process.
She said through training and Codes of Conduct, “we are demanding accountable service, independence from conflict of interest and integrity from all our officers around the country.”
She said justice was the quality of satisfaction that people must have, when they were given what they deserved in accordance with what the law relating their action or transaction had directed.
“As Ghana has grown as a society, regulations have been increasingly crafted to assist the less privileged in society to access justice through less complex rules of Court, automation of court services and provision of ADR facilities,” she said.
The Chief Justice said they were facilitating greater access to justice for the most vulnerable, including the physically challenged and those already incarcerated.
She said through the Court, “we will be able to ensure that fewer people contemplate the use of extra-judicial avenues of seeking redress and resolving disputes.”
Justice Torkornoo remarked that by utilizing the Court, a greater number of individuals could witness the administration of justice up close. This, in turn, would help foster confidence in commercial activities and property investment.
“Because when the rule of law is established in any society, it delivers another promise, apart from order and justice already discussed and that promise is a promise of prosperity and development,” she added.
She said the people were assured of the safety of their people and assets, they were assured of the stability of the environment in which they lived.
Madam Josepine Awuku Ansaa Inkoom, the District Chief Executive of Ayensuano District Assembly, said, “Our collective efforts have culminated in the establishment of this modern facility which is designed to promote effective justice delivery for our constituents.”
She said access to justice was a fundamental human right that every citizen deserves and “today we take a significant step in demonstrating our dedication to ensuring a fair and equitable justice system for all.”She emphasized that their dedication was firmly grounded in their resolve to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the rights of every individual. A robust and accessible justice system, she noted, stood as a fundamental pillar of a prosperous community, fostering confidence, tranquility, stability, and societal cohesion.
The District Chief Executive highlighted that it was evident to all that without a functioning judiciary, the socio-economic progress of any society would be impeded.
“Whilst the constitution enjoins the District Assembly to ensure ready access to courts for the promotion of justice, we are also expected to cooperate with the appropriate local security Agencies for the maintenance of security and public safety so that citizens can go out and conduct their daily activities without fear and panic,” she added.
She urged members of the community, government agencies, and civil society organizations in the district to collaborate with you in our quest to achieve justice for all.