Residents of Ketu South Municipality would count it joy, as two of the courts that were closed down in the Municipality some months back would commence operations Monday, 12th October 2020.
The District (Magistrate) Court will operate from the old Circuit Court at Zuime along the Diamond Cement Road whilst the Circuit Court will operate in the new structure constructed within the premises of the Denu High Court near Ketu South Municipal Assembly at Viepe Tokor.
It would be recalled that the Circuit Court, Aflao and District Court in Aflao were closed down on 31st March, 2019 by the former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo due to the dilapidated structure and unsafe environment in which they operate.
In that effect, Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has directed that all pending cases at the courts be transferred to Keta Circuit Court and Agbozume District Court for continuation.
Many have suffered in pursuing their cases due to lack of transportation to Keta.
In a press statement issued by Concern Citizens of Aflao, they expressed their delight to key members who actively played major roles for the reopening of the courts.
“We want to express our profound gratitude to all those who helped in bringing back our courts” – the statement said
The group praised the Chief Justice of the Republic and the Judicial Service for reopening the two Courts thereby making it easy for the citizens to access Justice.
They are happy that distance would no longer be a barrier to obtain justice especially for the people of Aflao.
“We shall no longer travel a long distance to access justice” – the statement added
The pressure group, Concern Citizens of Aflao also recognised the roles played by the Media especially Holy FM’s Sam Kush and this reporter, Sylvia Awuye Akpavor, the police, especially DSP Eric Vondee, Municipal Chief Executive of Ketu South Hon Eliot Agbenorwu and the Presiding Member Hon Doe William Haligah.
“It should be noted that by opening these courts, one major target of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 to Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all would be achieved.”
By: Sylvia Awuye / Aflao, Volta Region