The newly constructed Nkwatia Circuit Court Complex for Nkwatia – Kwahu has been commissioned and handed over to the Judicial Service of Ghana.
At a colourful event on Friday, December 16, a host of dignitaries including the Development Chief of Nkwatia, Nana Owiredu Wadie, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi constituency, Mr Bryan Acheampong, His Lordship Justice Richard Agyei Frimpong, an Appeal Court Judge who came as a representative for the Chief Justice of Ghana Justice Kwasi Annin Yeboah, Supervising High Court Judge, Her Ladyship Justice Gifty Dichem who also serves as a High Court Justice, Mrs Grace Tagoe director of Judicial Service Reforms and Projects and His Lordship Ernest Yaw Agbenyah, a magistrate at the Abetifi Court, General Secretary of the NPP, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Koduah and the National Organizer of the NPP, Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), as well as a host of Traditional leaders within the Kwahu block.
Giving a welcoming address, the District Chief Executive of the Kwahu East Assembly, Mr Isaac Agyapong stated this newly constructed complex has given the Kwahu East judicial independence from the Kwahu South and hence, the move by Nana Owiredu Wadie must be commended and well-emulated. Although, there’s a Magistrate Court in Abetifi which cannot hold much bigger issues because the capacity does not surpass that of the Kwahu South.
“If we can all examine this district. It was enacted by Former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2008. We have gained Judicial independence from the Kwahu South because in most cases when we have bigger issues, we send them to Kwahu South, it’s true we have a court in Abetifi but it does not surpass the capacity of the Kwahu South. On this day, for the good work being done by the Nkwatia Nkosuohene Nana Owiredu Wadie, and being handed over to the District Assembly, so we can have our Circuit Court and freedom, I welcome you all for having time to grace this occasion and also commission this project to strengthen the rule of law“,
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Chief Justice His Lordship Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah, His Lordship Richard Agyei Frimpong, an Appeal Court Judge accepted a plea made by the traditional leaders to consider and uplift the newly constructed Circuit Court Complex into a High Court Complex as its being considered as way too higher than a Circuit Court Jurisdiction.
“Before I begin my speech, let me attest that I’ve seen this building. It’s beautiful and beyond the capacity of a Circuit Court. We have agreed that it must be converted into a High Court. I’m taking this as a message to the Chief Justice, and our supervising High Court Judge will support me when I’m delivering your message“, he stated.
His Lordship Agyei Frimpong added that the idea of the construction of this Court House came upon the realization that the entire Kwahu East District had only a Magistrate Court, and thus there was the need for a Circuit or High Court for the Jurisdiction.
“It’s indeed an honour and great pleasure to be at this important ceremony, the inauguration of the newly constructed here at Nkwatia in the Kwahu East District. From the out search, I wish to render the most profound apology of his Lordship the Chief Justice for his inability to be here to inaugurate this beautiful edifice personality. Our gathering here is a fulfilment of a promise by Nana Owiredu Wadie, Nkosuohene of Nkwatia and Chairman and founder of the KABAKA foundation to ensure further access to justice by the people this area to assure investors Peace and Security. It’s also to commemorate the first anniversary of his enstoolment as the Nkosuohene of Nkwatia – Kwahu. The idea of the construction of this Court house came upon the realization that the entire Kwahu East District had only a Magistrate, thus the need for a Circuit or High Court in the Jurisdiction. The bold initiative by Nana Owiredu Wadie I is not only a demonstration of support to the judicial service to enable it to live out its mandate, but it’s also an act of Patriotism which has must be emulated by all well-meaning Ghanaians. It, therefore, emphasises that we have a collective responsibility to ensure that Democracy thrives in this country and this cannot happen without a well resourced Judiciary which is the backdrop of the Rule of Law”,
The memorise development project was initiated and financed by Nana Owiredu Wadie for the People of Nkwatia – Kwahu has clearly vindicated the rectitude of his choice as the Nkosuohene of Nkwatia.
The project, fully funded by Nana Owiredu Wadie and constructed by the Freedom Builders Construction Limited, a company owned by Opanyin Kwame Wadie, the father of Nana Owiredu Wadie was in essence of marking the first anniversary of the Development Chief.
His Lordship Richard Agyei Frimpong recalled that it’s the resolve of the Judicial Service to build a system of justice that assures the countrymen of efficient, quality and timely Justice delivery. He further said the newly constructed court complex meets the standard of utility and modernity. It also addresses their quest today with a lack, and distressingly poor state of their physical infrastructure which has over the years militated against the effective operations of the courts generally, and rendered their services to the people of Ghana, sometimes, ineffective.
Ghana currently ranks second on the Peace Index in Africa. He said the culture of the Rule of Law is a key factor for clinching this foot.
He further called for the maintenance of and cherishing of Courts which are National assets and must be protected appropriately for prosperity. He also urged the District Assemblies whose responsibility is rightly is, to ensure the provision of Courts under the Local Government Act and the Judicial Service staff to ensure a higher maintenance culture of the facility as it will further serve as a source of encouragement to other well-meaning who would like to emulate the example of Nana Owiredu Wadie and his family.
The Appeal Judge also entreated the Traditional Leaders to desist from addressing criminal matters in their Palaces and allow the full rigours to apply when people are found wanting.
Delivering his speech, Nana Owiredu Wadie urged the gathering and the General Public to always show love to others as it’s the only way to ensure development in our society.
The Member of Parliament for the Abetifi constituency, Mr Bryan Acheampong called for all to support the benevolent initiatives of Nana Owiredu Wadie as he means well for the development of the area.
“Let me, first of all, acknowledge the Nkosuohene, Nana Owiredu Wadie I. Before he was installed as the Nkosuohene, he had started development projects and since he was honoured to be the Nkosuohene of this community, he’s continuing with full force. I’ve had discussions with him, and I can assure you that he has a pure heart of Gold. He means well for Nkwatia and nothing more. We should support him with all our hearts and minds as he means well for the development of this area“, he added.
