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.
“Today marks an important date not only for the people of Akropong but for the entire Akuapem Ridge,” Baffoe-Bonnie said.
“Until recently, this community relied on a single courthouse, which bore the weight of serving numerous towns… The strain on this facility was immense and evident for all litigants, lawyers, and judicial officers alike,” he added.
The building traces its origin back to November 2018, when the then Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo visited the rundown Akropong Circuit Court and declared it unfit for purpose, a process that has now resulted in the Akropong, Akuapem North district’s first ever High Court.
She had directed the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly to begin work on a modern double courtroom and secured support from the Ministry of Local Government and the District Assemblies Common Fund.
“I commend my predecessor…for her ongoing commitment to emphasising that there must be immediate improvements in court facilities,” Baffoe-Bonnie noted.
However, implementation faced delays. For more than a year, land disputes repeatedly stalled progress, forcing the relocation of the project site three times.
A breakthrough came in July 2022 when mediation by the Judicial Service produced a memorandum of understanding that finally cleared the way for construction, which began in August.
He acknowledged Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, former Municipal Chief Executive Barima Awuah Sarpong Asiedu-Larbi, former MP Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, and traditional leaders for their roles in resolving the impasse.
The newly constructed judicial complex accommodates the new High Court and the Circuit Court judicial complex that accommodates the new High Court and the Circuit Court.
It contains two fully equipped courtrooms, judges’ chambers, registrar and cashier offices, a docket room, an Alternative Dispute Resolution room, and modern washrooms.
The complex also includes essential infrastructure such as a borehole and a 40 KVA standby generator. In addition, two residential units have been constructed to house 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 also restores the Circuit Court to Akropong after its temporary transfer to Mampong during construction.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie highlighted the town’s symbolic importance as a centre for leadership and learning.
“It symbolises the centrality of the rule of law in our national development and makes constitutional justice more accessible to the people,” he said.
He urged all justice sector actors to uphold the highest ethical standards.
He called on judges to maintain independence and integrity, lawyers to demonstrate professionalism, and staff to work with efficiency.
“Courts are not merely battlegrounds; they are institutions of order and hope,” he declared. “May this court dispense justice that is timely and transparent, protect the vulnerable, and foster peace throughout the Akuapem Ridge.”
In his address, Mr John Evans Kumordzi, the Municipal Chief Executive, said the new High Court complex “represents a renewed commitment to the rule of law, access to justice, and the strengthening of democratic governance at the local level.”
He noted that residents had long travelled outside the municipality for higher judicial services, often facing delays, cost burdens, and overcrowded dockets.
“This High Court brings justice closer to our people and ensures that cases are handled efficiently, professionally, and within reasonable timelines,” he said.
Mr. Kumordz expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice, the Judicial Service, the DACF administrator, traditional authorities, the contractor, and all stakeholders for their roles in realising the project.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring proper maintenance and providing continuous operational support.
In a brief remark, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, said the new complex “demonstrates the region’s commitment to decentralising justice delivery and strengthening the institutional foundations that support local development.”
