President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially commissioned the new 12-story Law House, a cutting-edge facility designed to revolutionize justice delivery in Ghana through advanced digitization of court processes. This significant milestone marks a major step towards improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the country’s legal and judicial systems.
“The completion of the Law House stands as a testament to our commitment to addressing the long-standing office accommodation issues of the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice,” President Akufo-Addo stated. “More importantly, it represents our dedication to the digitization and modernization of our legal and judicial systems. “The President highlighted key achievements under his administration, including the introduction of electronic filing systems in the courts. “We’ve introduced electronic filing systems, reducing reliance on paper-based documentation and streamlining the judicial process. Lawyers and litigants can now file their documents online, access case information, and receive updates on their cases in real-time. This is a major leap forward in making justice more accessible and efficient for all Ghanaians.”
The Law House, now the official home of the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice, symbolizes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law by providing a conducive environment for the efficient administration of justice. This move addresses a problem that has plagued these offices for far too long.
President Akufo-Addo praised Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, for his dedication, which was crucial to the project’s completion. “When he assumed office, the completion status of the Law House Project was at 36%.
His commitment and support were instrumental in reviving and bringing the project to completion,” the President noted.
Despite numerous challenges, including delays and the need for fresh procurement approvals, Dame successfully navigated these issues, ensuring the project was not abandoned.
The importance of the Law House extends beyond its physical structure, as it symbolizes the government’s strong dedication to upholding the tenets of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of any thriving democracy. “The rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, that justice is administered fairly and impartially, and that the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected,” President Akufo-Addo emphasized.
Reflecting on his administration’s efforts, the President highlighted the priority given to strengthening the rule of law in Ghana with a focus on digitizing court processes. “This initiative has not only expedited the handling of cases but has also enhanced transparency and accountability within the legal system,” he said.
In addition to improving judicial infrastructure, the President emphasized efforts to enhance access to justice for all, regardless of socio-economic status.
He noted significant improvements in the reach and efficiency of legal aid services, mentioning the procurement of 91 vehicles for the Legal Aid Commission, which previously had only six.
The President also underscored the government’s ongoing fight against corruption, highlighting the implementation of the Right to Information Act 2019. “My government ensured the passage of the Right to Information Act 2019 (Act 989) to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to due process and the rule of law, despite criticisms. “I will not set aside due process and the rules of natural justice on the altar of the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this position incurs for me,” he asserted.
President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of the Law House project. “As we open the doors of the Law House, let us do so with a renewed dedication to justice, transparency, and the rule of law.
This building stands as a symbol of hope and our collective aspiration for a free and prosperous society.”
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in his remarks, noted that the facility is a major step towards realizing the dream of a modern public legal service for Ghana, fully equipped to live up to its constitutional and statutory duties of rendering competent legal advice and representing the state in complex local and international transactions.
He emphasized the necessity of a fully digitized working environment, highlighting plans for an integrated information management system and a modern electronic law library.
The Law House features 12 stories, including ten above ground and a two-tier basement for parking.
It includes numerous offices for state attorneys, a large conference room, a canteen, two libraries, rooms for pupils, interns, and researchers, kitchenettes, and a spacious event area on the 10th floor.
The Attorney-General’s facilities also feature a conference room for thirty people and two specific suites for the deputy Attorneys-General, including study areas and rooms for personal assistants.
