The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has inaugurated the first Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region to improve access to justice and promote effective justice delivery.
The court, located at Barekese, the district capital, was funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
The facility comprises a courtroom, registrar’s office, judge’s chambers, docket rooms, bailiffs’ and recorders’ offices, a cashier’s office, a store and other administrative facilities to enhance the efficient delivery of judicial services.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie expressed gratitude to the Barekese Traditional Council, particularly Nana Amoapim Brenya I, Chief of Barekese, for providing land for the project.
He said the inauguration marked a significant step towards bringing justice closer to the people of Barekese and surrounding communities, stressing that access to justice should not be determined by a person’s geographical location.
He noted that the establishment of a courthouse went beyond the construction of a physical structure, describing it as a public commitment to ensuring that disputes were resolved according to the law, rights were protected and everyone had an equal opportunity to be heard.
The Chief Justice explained that the new court formed part of a nationwide programme to construct court buildings and residential facilities for judicial officers with support from the District Assemblies Common Fund.
He said the facility was expected to complement existing judicial infrastructure in the Ashanti Region and improve access to judicial services for residents of Barekese and surrounding communities.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged judges and court staff to uphold fairness, impartiality and professionalism in the administration of justice, regardless of the social or economic status of the parties involved in court cases.
Equality before law
He emphasised that everyone was equal before the law and that neither the rich nor the poor should face discrimination in the adjudication of cases.
The newly built District Court
He also appealed to the traditional authorities and other stakeholders in the district to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance to guarantee its long-term sustainability.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, encouraged the youth to be law-abiding citizens, respect the rule of law and make good use of the facility by embracing peaceful means of resolving disputes.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Mba Zechariah Alenbilla, commended the Chief Justice for his efforts to promote judicial reforms and improve justice delivery in the country.
The Chief of Barekese, Nana Amoapim Brenya I, commended the MP and the DCE for their collaborative efforts in facilitating the construction of the court and urged the youth to abstain from substance abuse and the use of illicit drugs, reminding them that they were the future leaders of the country.
