President Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the Law House, a state-of-the-art ten-story building in Accra that will now serve as the new headquarters for the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice.
This landmark event marks the fruition of a vision that began over two decades ago during Akufo-Addo’s tenure as Attorney-General under the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Reflecting on this long journey, President Akufo-Addo recounted the inception of the Law House project during his time as Attorney-General and expressed immense pride in seeing it come to life during his presidency.
“Today is a day of great pride and accomplishment,” he announced. “This building stands as a testament to our government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing office accommodation challenges faced by the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice.”
President Akufo-Addo praised the dedication of current Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who took office in 2021 when the project was only thirty-six percent complete.
“His efforts ensured that this initiative, which could have easily ended up as another abandoned government project, was implemented to become the magnificent structure we celebrate today,” President Akufo-Addo said, extending a heartfelt “ayekoo” to the Attorney-General.
Emphasizing the rule of law as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, the President stated, “The rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, that the concept of equality before the law is respected, that justice is administered fairly and impartially, and that the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected.
This building is a beacon of the country’s commitment to these principles and its vision of an equitable, free, and just society.”
Throughout his tenure, President Akufo-Addo’s administration has made significant strides in strengthening the rule of law in Ghana. The commissioning of the Law House represents a key milestone in these ongoing efforts. The new facility is expected to provide a conducive environment for the efficient administration of justice, enhancing the capacity of the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice to serve the people of Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the broader impact of this achievement as part of a larger vision to modernize and digitize Ghana’s legal and judicial systems. The introduction of electronic filing systems, which reduce reliance on paper-based documentation and streamline judicial processes, represents a major step forward in making justice more accessible and efficient.
This initiative enables lawyers and litigants to file documents online, access case information, and receive updates in real-time, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability within the legal system.
In addition to improving judicial infrastructure, the Akufo-Addo administration has prioritized the safety and security of judges. Since taking office in 2017, the government has constructed numerous courthouses and residential facilities for judges across the country.
By February 2024, seventy-nine new courthouses had been inaugurated, with twenty-one more projects at various stages of completion. These efforts aim to address the persistent problem of insufficient court infrastructure in Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of the Law House project, thanking successive Attorneys-General, architects, engineers, contractors, and workers who brought the vision to life.
By Daakyehene Nana Yaw Asante
