Lack of lawyers hampering opening of new courts

Ms. Gloria Akuffo, Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister of Justice on Wednesday said the lack of lawyers was hampering the opening of new magistrate courts or community tribunals.

She said the Ministry would very much appreciate the efforts of District Assemblies, which would provide suitable accommodation for magistrates who would be asked to run the courts. Ms, Akuffo was answering a question Mr. Samuel Nkrumah-Gyimah (NPP Odotobri) asked in Parliament as to what plans the Ministry of Justice has to establish a court at Jacobu-Ashanti to avoid the inconvenience to the people who travel long distances outside the constituency to attend court in Obuasi and Bekwai.

The Deputy Minister said despite the lack of lawyers the provision of suitable accommodation would influence the Judicial Service to extend judicial facilities to Odotobri. She therefore, asked the MP for the area to liaise with the district assembly for the facility.