High Courts to be equipped with solar power

The Judiciary is embarking on a project to install solar plants in all the High Court premises in the country, Ms. Sophia Abenaa Boafoa Akuffo, the Chief Justice has announced.

Interacting with the members of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and other quasi-judicial staff in Sunyani, the Chief Justice said solar energy tools and equipment would be procured to enable the Judiciary to make optimal use of the sun for uninterrupted power supply.

Ms Akuffo is on a five-day official working visit in the Brong-Ahafo Region to inspect Court buildings and interact with JUSAG members and other staff of the Judiciary.

She said advancement in technology had pushed the Judiciary to identify alternative means of power that would facilitate and maintain country-wide inter-connectivity for useful application of technology in the justice delivery system.

Ms. Akuffo said the solar power project which is expected to be completed by 2025, targeted the High Courts, adding that it would be extended to the Circuit and District Courts.

The Chief Justice said her outfit was aware of the particular challenges that faced the Judiciary including inadequate residential accommodation for Judges and Magistrates, dilapidated Court buildings and the inadequate number of Judges and assured that many of the teething problems would be addressed.

That notwithstanding Ms Akuffo urged management and staff of the Judiciary to endeavor to tackle minor obstacles that obstruct their daily work.

Justice Patrick Baayeh, the Supervising High Court Judge in Sunyani, expressed discomfort with the lack of computers, photocopiers, printers and other stationeries which he said hindered their work.

He appealed to the Chief Justice to as a matter of urgency ensure that residential accommodation was provided for Judges.

Some key staff of the Judiciary accompanied the Chief Justice; the Chief Justice is expected to visit Duayaw-Nkwanta, Jinijini, Kwame-Danso, Berekum, Techiman, Tuobodom, Goaso, and Kenyasi.