The Volta regional capital, Ho has been blessed with another court house to improve timely access to justice. On Tuesday, March 07, 2023, the new court house was commissioned with a short ceremony which had the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Justices of the Supreme Court of Ghana, the Hon. Regional Minister, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, and Hon. Member of Parliament for Ho Central Constituency present. Also present were High Court Judges, Hon. Municipal Chief Executive for Ho, Directors and staff of the Judicial Service and other Traditional Rulers from and around Ho.

In a welcome address he delivered, the Hon. Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, expressed delight about the commissioning of the new court house and how it would be beneficial to the Judicial Service in the discharge of its duties.

He reiterated his unflinching support, and government’s commitment towards strengthening the Judicial Service, noting that the Judicial Service is an indispensable arm of government.

Furthermore, he intimated that government, among other things, is giving infrastructural support to the Judicial Service stressing that government through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is constructing a number of court houses across the Volta Region.

The Hon. Regional Minister, therefore, assured His Lordship the Chief Justice that the Central Government, Municipal and District Assemblies of the Region will continue to support the Judicial Service with the necessary infrastructural development. The support, he indicated would enable the Judiciary to continue to administer justice fairly to the people of the Volta Region.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Member of Parliament, Mr. Benjamin Komla Kpodo, expressed his joy about the inauguration of the new court house. He, thus, commended His Lordship the Chief Justice and the Hon. Member of Parliament for Tamale South for the pressure mounted on the Administrator of the DACF which culminated in the release of funds towards the construction of the new Ho Court House and others.

He averred that he cannot hide his joy whenever there is an infrastructural development that would benefit especially the people of Ho Central Constituency.  Consequently, he singled out the DACF for commendation, indicating that many projects he had executed were financed through the Members of Parliament’s (MPs’) Share of the DACF.

Mr. Kpodo acknowledged that governance is anchored on three (3) Arms of Government and underscored that for the judiciary to function properly and effectively, there is the need for infrastructural development within the Judicial Service.

He seized the opportunity to express his expectation that judges would ensure speedy and fair delivery of justice.

On his part, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the Asogli Traditional Council, Togbe Afede XIV, stated that he could not hide his joy when informed that an additional edifice has been constructed in the premises of the Court Complex in Ho. He, therefore, expressed his appreciation to His Lordship the Chief Justice and the Administrator of DACF for the edifice.

Togbe Afede XIV entreated the Judicial Service to ensure the realization of the motive with which the edifice was built while stating that how well an organization responds to the needs of people determines the extent of its relevance. He stressed that the Court House must serve the people; ensuring effective delivery of justice and application of Rule of Law.

In addition, Togbe Afede XIV emphasised that, Fair Leadership must be applied at all levels. He, hence, advised against divisiveness and winner-takes-all.

He also expressed the need for the Judiciary to ensure transparency and accountability, noting that a strong judiciary must ensure that justice is available to all.

His Lordship the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah who also addressed the gathering decried the insufficiency of infrastructure for the Judicial Service which affected the delivery of justice. He, therefore, noted that the investment in the construction of the complex marked a new dawn of investment in infrastructure for the Judiciary.

Consequently, he commended H.E. the President for the commitment of his administration to improving court infrastructure.

His Lordship Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah used the occasion to emphasise that the Judiciary is of critical importance in the practice of Rule of Law and Democracy, and has contributed to the sturdy democracy of the nation. He stressed that the culture of Rule of Law remained crucial to security and consolidation of democracy, hence the resolve to provide the Judiciary with the needed infrastructure was highly commendable.

Finally, he entreated that the court environment be kept serene and decent at all times to reflect the profession and its authority.