A new District Court has been formally opened by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (A.M.A.) at its former location in order to improve the enforcement of its bylaws and guarantee prompt justice for minor offenses like traffic violations and sanitary violations.
A typing pool, registrar’s office, magistrate’s chambers, docket room, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) office, and restrooms are all features of the recently opened court that are intended to satisfy contemporary legal requirements.
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the mayor of Accra, spoke during the commissioning on Tuesday and said the court’s creation was a personal goal he had been working toward ever since taking office.
“This court has been on my heart from the first day I stepped into office. I am a happy man to see this court open today,” he remarked, adding that the facility would play a crucial role in the city’s Reset Agenda to restore order and cleanliness.
The Mayor clarified that because the court was now open, the AMA’s bylaws would be strictly enforced, particularly those pertaining to sanitation and its “red line” policy, which, among other things, establishes designated no-trading areas in public areas and marketplaces.
“Anyone who violates the red line policy, for instance, will be brought before court for protection… People must now know that whatever you do, there is a court to hold you accountable,” he stated.
According to him, the inauguration is a component of the A.M.A.’s larger “Reset Accra” strategy, which aims to enhance government through efficient institutions, bring back urban discipline, and improve sanitation enforcement.
Given the government’s round-the-clock agenda, he urged the judiciary to think about holding sessions outside of the designated weekdays.
“I wished it would run as a 24-hour court, but our Chief Justice said they can only operate up to Saturday. Even so, this shows that the reset has indeed begun at the A.M.A.,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Supreme Court Judge and Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Imoro Tanko emphasized the importance of the new court in enhancing the accessibility of justice for common people.
He emphasized that the decentralization of justice through courts such as the recently established A.M.A. District Court will accelerate the adjudication of minor offenses, relieve traffic in the mainstream courts, and strengthen the rule of law.
“Our national development is anchored on respect for law and due process. This court will not only speed up justice delivery but also ensure equal access to justice for all, regardless of social status,” he said.
“Imagine being a hawker or driver apprehended for a minor offence, and you are dragged to a circuit or high court whose dockets are full. Often your case is adjourned, you lose a day’s income, and yet the offence may simply attract a fine,” he added.
He lauded the AMA for its initiative and urged users of the facility to treat it with respect to ensure its sustainability.
During the court’s first sitting, Juliet Mettle, who was charged with operating a food business without a valid food handler’s certificate for two of her staff and cooking under unsanitary conditions, pleaded guilty and was fined 60 penalty units.
Daniel Otoo, on the other hand, who was arraigned for dumping and burning refuse at an unauthorised site and discharging effluent into a public drain, pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail and is scheduled to reappear before the court on July 9, 2025.
Source: newsthemegh.com