Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has inaugurated an ultra-modern High Court at Mampong in the Ashanti region.
The new one-storey building with two Courtrooms, which will serve Mampong and surrounding towns like Juaben, Efiduase Asokore, Nsuta, Ejura Sekyedumase and Agona, has adequate offices to accommodate two Registries. The edifice has two Judge’s Chambers, offices for Cashiers and Bailiffs, a Docket Room, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Room, and washrooms for both Staff and Court users.
The building is also equipped with a five KVA Solar Power facility and a 40 KVA Generator Set as a backup energy support, as well as a borehole to ensure a regular water supply.
Speaking during the inauguration of the court on Thursday, May 23, 2024, the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, described access to justice as a critical value to the nation, stressing the need for all citizens to have access to justice, particularly, the vulnerable.
“Without justice, there can be no order, without order there can be no peace, without peace, there can be no prosperity. And so, for every nation that seeks to go forward, it is critical that access to justice is given to all and sundry, especially, the vulnerable”, she said.
She added, “this edifice, which has a long history is structured in such a way that the physically impaired can have access to it….. It contains all facilities necessary for justice administration in modern times”.
Chief Justice Torkornoo urged the Judicial Service staff who would be working in the new building to avoid any form of malpractices and work with integrity.
“..The Judicial Service that functions with integrity, is the kind of Service that the people of Ghana deserve. This is a Service in which Bailiffs do not exploit citizens. It is a Service that Registrars do not exploit citizens. It is a Service in which justice delivery is done in an environment of transparency, propriety, independence, competence, diligence and appropriateness’, she stressed.
Chief Justice Torkornoo acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors, Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo and Anim Yeboah, for their respective roles played to making the opening of the new High Court building in Mampong become a reality. She also expressed gratitude to the Paramount Chief of Mampong, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, and the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) Administrator, Madam Irene Naa Torshie Addo, for their invaluable support.
The Paramount Chief of Mampong and President of the Mampong Traditional Council, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, in his remarks appealed to the Chief Justice to post more staff to work in the newly inaugurated building whiles asking for the establishment of more courts with required logistics, particularly, a Circuit Court.
“I would, therefore, like to appeal to your good office to provide Mampong with a Circuit Court in addition. The Mampong Courts serve a very wide geographical area, as far as the Ejura, Attebubu, and Kajeji areas. With the provision of a Circuit Court, therefore, other lower cases could be handled to ease the pressure on the Magistrate Court as it is now”, Daasebre said.
The occupant of the Silver Stool of the Asante Kingdom further appealed for the establishment of Court of Appeal in Mampong and explained its relevance to justice delivery in the Mampong enclave and beyond, and reiterated the strong commitment and preparation Nananom had long made towards its realization.
The Administrator of DACF, Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo expressed gratitude to the Executive and Legislative arms of government for their role in constructing courthouses across the country, adding that, “this is one of the greatest achievements of the Fund”.
On his part, the Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Thomas Appiah Kubi, commended the Mamponghene” for his generosity in releasing this land for the construction of this edifice”, and expressed hope that it would be well maintained.
