Equipment for creation of Fast Track High Courts ready

Equipment for the establishment of Fast Track Courts in the 10 regions are ready, Mr Justice Edward Kwame Wiredu, Chief Justice (CJ) said on Friday. Opening an 18-month training course for court reporters in Accra, he said installation and other formalities would be completed soon to enable the automated courts to commence their operation by November this year.

The workshop, the first in a series for 20 staff is an attempt to enhance the ability of court reporters to record proceeding with stenography machines for speedy trial of cases. Mr Justice Wiredu said government had released funds to rehabilitate the Accra High Court Registry and Courtrooms so that equipment donated by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) could be installed, adding that this would help in facilitating the establishment of an automated Tax Court.

The Chief Justice noted that the world is experiencing fast growth in technology and science so Ghana could not afford to continue to be where it finds itself. "We need skilful wisdom and knowledge to understand science in order to meet standards.'

He, therefore, called on Ghanaians and the donor community to support the Judicial Service's efforts at automating the courts and training staff for an improvement in the nation's judicial system.

The CJ said his administration was seriously working to eradicate corruption, laziness, apathy and indiscipline that have eaten deep into the administration of justice in the country. "It is, therefore, important for every member of staff to note that there would be no hiding place for those who are not prepared to change," he said.

He called on all judges and supporting staff to rededicate themselves to the noble cause of ensuring the efficient administration of justices. The CJ pledged his administration commitment to ensure speedy trial of cases to save poor people from spending endless time in court litigating with resources that could have been channelled into productive ventures.

Mr Justice Wiredu asked the consultant of the course to conduct regular and vigorous examinations that would instil some seriousness and dedication in the trainees. Mr Randall A. Czerenda, an American Consultant for the course, said the introduction of technology in the court system adds value to the delivery of justice, adding that this was a good step taken by Ghana. Ms Justice Sophia Akuffo, a Supreme Court Judge, chaired the function.