Nana Addo lauds advanced digitization in new Law House

By Daniel NONOR, Accra

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the new 12-story Law House, a state-of-the-art facility poised to enhance justice delivery in the country through advanced digitization of court processes.

This significant milestone marks a major step towards improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of Ghana’s legal and judicial systems.

“The completion of the Law House stands as a testament to our commitment to addressing the long-standing office accommodation issues of the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice.

“More importantly, it represents our dedication to the digitization and modernization of our legal and judicial systems,” the President noted.

President Nana Akufo-Addo highlighted key achievements under his government in ensuring an efficient justice system, particularly the introduction of electronic filing systems at the courts.

“We’ve introduced electronic filing systems, reducing reliance on paper-based documentation and streamlining the judicial process.

“Lawyers and litigants can now file their documents online, access case information, and receive updates on their cases in real-time.

“This is a major leap forward in making justice more accessible and efficient for all Ghanaians,” he added.

The President emphasized that The Law House, now officially housing the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice, symbolizes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law by providing a conducive environment for the efficient administration of justice, addressing a problem that has plagued these offices for far too long.

President Nana Akufo-Addo paid tribute to Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, whose dedication he said was crucial to the project’s completion.

“When he assumed office, the completion status of the Law House Project was at 36%. His commitment and support were instrumental in reviving and bringing the project to completion,” the President noted.

Despite numerous challenges, including delays and the need for fresh procurement approvals, Godfred Yeboah Dame successfully navigated these issues, ensuring the project was not abandoned.

The importance of the Law House, the President said, extends beyond its physical structure as it symbolizes the government’s strong dedication to upholding the tenets of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of any thriving democracy.

“The rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, that justice is administered fairly and impartially, and that the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected,” President Akufo-Addo noted.

He recounted that his government, since he assumed office, has prioritized strengthening the rule of law in Ghana with a key focus on the digitization of court processes, a significant achievement that enhances transparency and accountability within the legal system.

“This initiative has not only expedited the handling of cases but has also enhanced transparency and accountability within the legal system,” he emphasized.

In addition to improving judicial infrastructure, the President highlighted efforts to enhance access to justice for all, regardless of socio-economic status.

“Until 2022, the Legal Aid Commission had only six vehicles. Through the intervention of the Attorney General, a total of 91 vehicles have been procured, increasing its number of vehicles from six to 19,” he said.

This expansion has significantly improved the reach and efficiency of legal aid services, ensuring that indigent persons can obtain legal representation and advice.

The President also underscored the government’s ongoing fight against corruption, highlighting the implementation of the Right to Information Act 2019.

“My government ensured the passage of the Right to Information Act 2019 (Act 989) to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to due process and the rule of law, despite criticisms.

“I will not set aside due process and the rules of natural justice on the altar of the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this position incurs for me,” he asserted.

President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the realization of the Law House project.

 “As we open the doors of the Law House, let us do so with a renewed dedication to justice, transparency, and the rule of law. This building stands as a symbol of hope and our collective aspiration for a free and prosperous society.”

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in his remarks, said the facility is a major step towards realizing the dream of a modern public legal service for the country, fully equipped to live up to its onerous constitutional and statutory duties of rendering competent legal advice to the Republic of Ghana and representing the State in the complexities of modern-day local and international transactions.

“We cannot have a modern legal service without a fully functional digitized working environment. Thus, a significant phase in the creation of the modern legal service I speak about is the operationalization of an integrated information management system for the Office of Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice or a full digitalization of the operations of the office.”

He added that complete electronic management of all records at the Attorney General’s office is non-negotiable. “We cannot allow paper to clutter our working environment and destroy the beauty of what we have done with the Law House.”

He added that, fully cognizant of the supreme benefits of technology, he will work towards augmenting the capacity of the Ministry to digitalize its operations by adding a fully functional modern electronic law library to already existing facilities as well as ensuring complete electronic management of records.

The Law House consists of 12 stories – ten stories above ground and a two-tier basement for parking.

It also has several offices for state attorneys and boasts a vast conference room, a canteen, two libraries, rooms for pupils, interns, and researchers, kitchenettes, and a large space on the 10th floor for events.

The Attorney-General’s facilities include a conference room that can seat about thirty people, along with two specific suites for two deputy Attorneys-General, including a study and a room for their personal assistants.