The administration of justice is one of the most critical pillars of any democratic society. However, the state of some of Ghana’s lower courts, particularly the Nsuta Circuit Court in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region, raises serious concerns about the quality of judicial infrastructure in the country.
During a visit to Nsuta, GH Educate Media observed that the court structure resembles a basic school building rather than an institution where critical legal matters are adjudicate. A court should reflect authority, security, and professionalism, but unfortunately, the Nsuta Circuit court and many district courts across the country do not meet this standard. This reality raises a critical question,” how can justice be effectively served in such an environment” ?
The judiciary is the last line of defense for citizens seeking fairness, equity, and the rule of law. However, the inadequate infrastructure of our lower courts threatens the very essence of justice. Courts should embody dignity, authority, and security, yet many district courts in Ghana fail to meet even the basic standards required for a functional judicial system.
Some of these courts operate from rented buildings, poorly ventilated structures, or even makeshift offices that lack proper security, privacy, and space. The absence of adequate infrastructure affects judges, lawyers, court clerks, and litigants. It also exposes sensitive legal proceedings to undue interference and compromises the solemnity of the justice system.
It is alarming that despite the critical role of lower courts, little attention has been given to their conditions. The media has largely overlooked this issue, and the government’s response has been sluggish at best. The judiciary, which should be independent and well equipped, is often left at the mercy of underfunded projects and bureaucratic delays.
The fact that many of these court buildings resemble ordinary school structures rather than institutions of justice does not only affect case proceedings but also discourages legal professionals from serving in these areas. It contributes to case backlogs, delays in justice delivery, and a lack of confidence in the legal system.
GH Educate Media is calling on the Government of Ghana, the Judicial Service, the Ministry of Justice, and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to address this situation. The state of our lower courts should not be an afterthought but must be prioritized as a fundamental issue in Ghana’s development. Proposed actions include conducting a nationwide audit of all lower court buildings and allocating funds for their renovation and modernization. A national standard for lower court structures should be established to ensure consistency and functionality. The government should also explore public private partnerships (PPP) to support the development of modern court facilities, while emergency intervention should be considered for courts in the worst conditions.
Justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served in an environment that commands respect and confidence. Ghana’s lower courts should not resemble basic school buildings incapable of upholding the law. If we truly believe in the rule of law and access to justice, then we must commit to improving the very institutions responsible for upholding them.
GH Educate Media will continue to shine a light on this pressing issue until the necessary actions are taken. The time for change is now!
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