Judicial Service gets boost in Anti-Corruption drive

As part of support by way of logistics and equipment, the Anti-Corruption, Rule of Law and Accountability (ARAP) under the European Union (EU) is to provide training to all 10 Public Relations and Complaint Units of the Judicial Service which will be accessible to all citizens.

The move by the ARAP Programme under the EU is to enhance the adjudication of corruption cases, develop a web-based library as well as enhance the mechanisms for internal accountability.

Further support by ARAP will include development of a Management Information System (MIS) necessary to ensure that complaints from the public are well addressed and easier alternatives are provided.

The Public Relations and Complaint Unit (PRCU) of the Judicial Service, yesterday in Accra, took delivery of logistics and equipment to support the ongoing reforms processes to reduce corruption.

The items delivered to the unit included; printers, furniture, computers, laptops, wireless telephones, wireless routers, back up battery packs (UPS) and 1,000 copies of PRCU’s Guidelines.

The backing, presented by a European Union Delegation amounted to 52,000 euros.

Mr Zoltan Agai, Head of Cooperation of the European Union delegation in his remarks said the objective is to provide support to the Judicial Service to curb corruption and the deal with the needs of the citizens.

Agai said a platform to lodge, deal with complaints, monitor them, as well as provide effective feedback to the citizens has become equally essential to Ghana’s social development.

‘’To reduce corruption within the Judiciary and the Police, support will also be provided to the Police Investigations and Professional Standards Unit (PIPS) and PURC to increase their capacity and outreach when it comes to receiving and dealing with complaints of corruption amongst police and judicial officers,’’ he added.

Justice Angelina Domakyaareh, justice at the Court of Appeal and Acting Director of Public Complaints and Courts Inspectorate Unit, on her part, said the timely manner and responsive way of handling complaints will further go to reinforce the confidence entrusted by the public.

‘’We are extremely delighted that we are being offered these instruments and equipment which will help in expediting our complaint handling mechanisms, adding, personnel alone is not enough.’’

She assured that the turnaround timing of complaints and responsive alternatives will significantly be improved to help citizens.

The EU says it remains open to suggestions for further areas of collaboration with the Ghana’s Judicial Service till the end of the ARAP programme in December 2020.