Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Chief Justice, has commissioned the first High Court complex in the Ahafo Region, marking a significant milestone in the region’s judicial history.

The facility, funded by the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly through its common fund, is situated in the regional capital, Goaso.

The new High Court building is equipped with the registrar’s office, judge’s chamber, docket rooms, bailiffs’ offices, recorders’ room, courtroom, cashier’s office, store and general office, among other facilities aimed at enhancing the delivery of quality justice.

Commissioning the facility, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasised that the establishment of the High Court represented a critical step in bringing justice closer to people at the grassroots level and strengthening the administration of justice across the region.

According to him, a needs assessment conducted nationwide by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo between 2018 and 2019 revealed that a significant number of court buildings were unfit for court business, had inadequate office space or lacked essential facilities.

He said the situation often forced people to travel long distances to access court services, hence the need for the facility.

Mrs Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister, commended the government of John Dramani Mahama for its development efforts in the region, citing projects such as the construction of a meat processing facility, hatchery, College of Health and College of Agriculture.

Others include the construction of the Maabang–Goaso road and the Acherensua–Sunyani road to improve road infrastructure.

She announced that the government had plans to establish a university and a regional hospital in the area.

Mrs Gardiner admonished chiefs and judiciary staff who would be posted to the court to ensure proper maintenance of the facility to enable it last longer.

Okofrobuo Dr. Yaw Agyei II, Paramount Chief of Mim and Vice President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, praised the collaborative efforts that led to the completion of the complex and expressed hope that it would promote justice, peace and stability in the region.

He expressed the readiness of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs to support the Judicial Service of Ghana in efforts aimed at promoting justice, peace and stability among the people.

The event was attended by traditional leaders, clergy, judges, lawyers, political parties and security agencies.