President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said Monday’s opening of the law office in Accra was a symbol of his government’s commitment to upholding the principle of the rule of law.“The significance of this building goes beyond its physical structure. It symbolizes our strong commitment to upholding the principles of the rule of law, which is the foundation of a thriving democracy,” he said.
He explained that the completion of the building was a testament to the New Patriotic Party government’s resolve to address the perennial office facilities problem that has hindered the delivery of justice in Ghana.
“The completion of this law office is testament to the NPP government’s resolve to address the perennial office facility issues that have plagued the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo stressed that the building will house the Attorney-General’s office and the Ministry of Justice, creating an enabling environment for the efficient administration of justice in Ghana.
Speaking at the official opening of the building in Accra on Monday, President Akufo-Addo said the rule of law ensures that no one is above the law and upholds the principle of equality before the law.
“Justice is administered fairly and impartially and the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected. That is the foundation on which we build a fair, free and just society,” he said.
He said that during his tenure as president, his government had made great strides in strengthening the justice system, including efforts to digitize and modernize legal and judicial processes.
He acknowledged that in the digital age, efficient administration of justice must keep pace with technological advances.
“One of our main achievements in this regard is the digitization of court proceedings. We have introduced an electronic filing system, reducing reliance on paper-based documents and streamlining judicial procedures. This effort has not only sped up case disposal but also enhanced transparency and accountability within the legal system,” he explained.
a law office
Chief Justice Gertrude Turkonow acknowledged the importance of building courts, but stressed the need for dedicated resources for legal education reform and other projects to strengthen justice delivery.
“Access to justice includes facilities for legal education, law reporting, law reform, legal aid services and adequately resourced professionals across the justice delivery chain,” she said.
Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame said the practice of state prosecutors operating from temporary buildings or the offices of other state agencies must end.
“I believe that each regional office of the Ministry of Justice should have a building of at least three floors and we have begun discussions with the World Bank on the possibility of funding this project.”
President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Yaw Acheapong Boafo, said the building will be a demonstration of the state’s awareness of its obligation to invest in state institutions to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional and statutory mandates.
He stressed that the Row Houses should not only improve the city’s landscape but also help transform the landscape of justice and public service delivery in the country.
“This should serve as a reference point and a good indicator for the public to have renewed confidence in official or state prosecutions,” Boafo said.