Akropong: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on Tuesday inaugurated a new Akropong court complex, calling it a fully integrated justice facility designed to ease judicial pressure, improve service delivery, and strengthen constitutional justice across the Akuapem Ridge.
According to Ghana News Agency, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stated, “Today marks an important date not only for the people of Akropong but for the entire Akuapem Ridge.” He noted that the community previously relied on a single courthouse, which struggled to serve the needs of numerous towns, resulting in significant strain for litigants, lawyers, and judicial officers.
The origins of the new building trace back to November 2018, when then Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo visited the outdated Akropong Circuit Court and deemed it unfit for purpose. This led to the development of the Akropong, Akuapem North district’s first High Court. Justice Akuffo had instructed the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly to initiate a modern double courtroom project with support from the Ministry of Local Government and the District Assemblies Common Fund.
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie acknowledged his predecessor’s dedication to improving court facilities. However, the project’s implementation faced delays due to land disputes, which stalled progress for over a year and necessitated relocating the project site three times. A breakthrough occurred in July 2022 when mediation by the Judicial Service resulted in a memorandum of understanding, clearing the way for construction to begin in August.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie expressed gratitude to Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, former Municipal Chief Executive Barima Awuah Sarpong Asiedu-Larbi, former MP Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, and traditional leaders for resolving the impasse. The newly constructed complex houses both the new High Court and the Circuit Court, featuring two fully equipped courtrooms, judges’ chambers, registrar and cashier offices, a docket room, an Alternative Dispute Resolution room, and modern washrooms. It also includes essential infrastructure such as a borehole and a 40 KVA standby generator, as well as residential units for judges.
“This is not merely a building; it is a fully integrated justice complex designed to promote efficiency, dignity, and accessibility,” Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stated, commending contractor Modern International Developers and consultants Real PSM Consortium. The inauguration marks the return of the Circuit Court to Akropong after its temporary relocation to Mampong during construction.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie highlighted Akropong’s symbolic importance as a center for leadership and learning, emphasizing the role of the new complex in making constitutional justice more accessible. He urged all justice sector actors to uphold high ethical standards, maintain independence and integrity, and work efficiently.
In his address, Municipal Chief Executive John Evans Kumordzi described the new High Court complex as a commitment to the rule of law, access to justice, and democratic governance at the local level. He noted that residents previously faced challenges in accessing higher judicial services, including delays and cost burdens, by traveling outside the municipality. The new High Court aims to bring justice closer to the people, ensuring efficient and professional case handling.
Mr. Kumordzi expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice, the Judicial Service, the DACF administrator, traditional authorities, the contractor, and all stakeholders involved in the project. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining the facility and providing ongoing operational support.
Eastern Regional Minister Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey remarked that the new complex demonstrates the region’s commitment to decentralizing justice delivery and strengthening institutional foundations for local development.