EKMA Gets District Court
“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,”
The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo has inaugurated a district court for the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) in the Western Region as part of the 100 courts project being executed by the government.
Located at Apollo, the facility has adequate office space for various court functions, wash rooms for staff and the public who will be visiting the facility.
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The rest include male and female cells, solar power, a stand-by generator, a borehole to provide sustainable water supply and electric fencing to boost security. It also has a dedicated space for court connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
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The Chief Justice mentioned that the district court would allow more people to see justice being dispense at close range adding, ‘and that builds confidence for businesses and investments in property’.
She said, “for any system of justice to be effective, it must be accessible to all citizens, regardless of rank or social standing. It must be physically within reach of those who need it and free of doubt about its independence”.
She pointed out that the Judicial Service is working hard at instilling higher ethical standards in its officers.
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“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.
The Chief Justice stressed that the new district court has a dedicated office for the much-advocated Court Connected ADR, equipped with a Direct Transcription System to facilitate the adjudication process.
“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,” she added.
The Municipal Chief Executive of EKMA, Kojo Acquah was hopeful that the new court will ensure access to justice, particularly at the district level.
He revealed that the assembly is also constructing a house at Whindo in the municipality to accommodate the judge who has been posted to the court.
Source: Emmanuel Opoku, Apollo
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