In a major stride toward strengthening Ghana’s justice delivery system, a newly constructed District Court has been officially inaugurated at Adukrom in the Okere District of the Eastern Region. The court, which forms part of the Judicial Service of Ghana’s ongoing plan to improve access to justice across the country, was commissioned to address longstanding challenges arising from the absence of a permanent court facility in the district. Prior to its completion, residents of Okere had to travel to neighbouring jurisdictions such as Akropong, Mampong or Koforidua to have cases heard and determined.
The ceremony brought together senior members of the judiciary, traditional authorities, government officials, clergy, and residents, marking what many described as a historic milestone for the district. The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished personalities, including the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Reginal Police Commander, members of the Bar, Okyeame Biatey from Assesseaso, Nana Kusi Addo IV, Asonahene of Assesseaso, Okatakyie Ofori Kantanka III, Nana Saforo OKwampa Chief of Aprede, Nana Otutu Ababio V the Chief of Adukrom and Akuapem Nifahene and Owuaprempong Awo Abena Korama, Akuapem Nifahemaa, Judicial Secretary of the Republic of Ghana, Justice Musah, his Lordship Samuel Asiedu, his Lordship Justice Agyei Frimpong, his Lordship Justice Kweku Atta-Boafo, her ladyship Justice Angela Mensah, her ladyship Pamela, the District Chief Executive, Hon William Ayettey, the former District Chief Executive and current Member of Parliament Hon. Kenneth Daniel, the former MP Hon. Dan Botwe, Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey the Clergy and the heads of departments from the various institutions
In his opening remarks, the District Chief Executive, Hon. William Ayettey, underscored government’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and ensuring the timely and fair adjudication of disputes. He commended the collaborative efforts between the Judicial Service, Assembly, and community stakeholders that led to the completion of the facility. The project was funded through the District Assembly Common Fund in 2017 under an initiative championed by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, who pledged to expand and refurbish court infrastructure across districts in Ghana.Hon. Ayettey also acknowledged the instrumental roles played by former MP Hon. Dan Kweku Botwe and Hon. Kenneth Daniel in securing the strategic land upon which the court now stands.The court is expected to immediately begin handling a full docket of civil, criminal, and customary cases, significantly reducing travel burdens and expediting justice delivery within the district.
OKERE’S LEGACY IN GHANA’S JUDICIARY
Former Member of Parliament Hon. Dan Botwe highlighted Okere’s longstanding contribution to Ghana’s legal and judicial landscape. He cited distinguished personalities from the area who have served in the Judicial Service, including the late Justice Asare Korang, a former Court of Appeal judge; Justice Henrietta Abban, also a former Appeal Court judge; Justice Irene Larbi; and Professor Akuakoyehea, former Dean of the Ghana School of Law and a former member of the International Court of Justice.
He expressed optimism that the new court would inspire the youth of Okere to pursue careers in law and public service.
Delivering her address, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, described the occasion as a reaffirmation of collective efforts to expand access to justice and reinforce public confidence in Ghana’s legal system. She referenced provisions in the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936), which enjoin district assemblies to ensure ready access to courts for the promotion of justice. She praised the Office of the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund for providing financial support for the project. The Minister expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service for advancing the vision of decentralising the justice system. She assured the gathering of the continued support of the Regional Coordinating Council and central government. Addressing the chiefs and people of Adukrom, she urged them to safeguard the facility and uphold the rule of law it represents, while encouraging the District Assembly to cultivate a strong maintenance culture.
In a message delivered at the ceremony, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie expressed profound satisfaction at the inauguration of the Okere District Court. He emphasised that Ghana’s Constitution mandates ready access to courts for the promotion of justice, stressing that justice must not remain an abstract concept but an accessible reality at citizens’ doorsteps.
Describing the new facility as a “constitutional fortress,” he said the court must serve as a place of refuge where citizens can seek lawful redress rather than resort to self-help or mob justice. The Chief Justice urged judicial staff and the District Assembly to uphold high standards of maintenance and tasked the magistrate and court officials to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and dedication in the discharge of their duties.With the commissioning of the Adukrom District Court, residents of Okere District now have justice closer to home a development widely hailed as a transformative step toward equitable legal access and strengthened local governance in the Eastern Region.
WRITTEN BY: INFORMATION NEWS DESK