Afenyo-Markin Commissions Gyangyanadze Court Complex, Defends Judiciary’s Independence

The Minority Leader in Parliament who doubled as Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency in the Central Region , Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has commissioned a newly constructed Court Complex in Gyangyanadze at the Effutu Municipal, reaffirming his commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the independence of Ghana’s Judiciary.

Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Mr. Afenyo-Markin described the commissioning as a “historic day” for the people of Effutu, noting that the new facility marks a tangible step toward enhancing justice delivery in the municipality.

“This project is deeply personal to me,” he said. “It reflects a conviction I hold dear: that law and order are the bedrock of a functioning democratic society. Without a strong and independent Judiciary, the very fabric of our democracy begins to unravel.”

The modern Court Complex comprises a Circuit Court and a High Court, along with supporting offices for registrars, administrators, and staff. It is expected to serve Gyangyanadze and surrounding communities, reducing the burden of long travel for legal proceedings and bringing justice closer to the people.

The commissioning comes at a time when the MP has expressed concern over what he calls “a troubling shift in national discourse,” characterized by attacks on the Judiciary and efforts to undermine its independence. He referenced a recent demonstration he led, dubbed “Save the Judiciary,” which he described as “not partisan, but patriotic.”

“Today’s commissioning takes on even greater significance in that context,” he said. “This court complex is not just a building—it’s a statement of values. In Effutu, we do not merely speak of the rule of law—we build for it.”

The facility also supports a broader national agenda initiated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP government to expand judicial infrastructure across the country. According to Afenyo-Markin, the administration’s initiative to construct 100 new courthouses has already seen significant progress, with many completed by early 2024.

The Effutu MP tied the court complex to his constituency’s long-term development strategy, dubbed The Effutu Dream, which focuses on strengthening key pillars of social and economic growth, including healthcare and education. He cited the construction of a specialized children’s hospital nearing completion in Gyangyanadze and the ongoing development of new offices for public institutions such as the Ghana Immigration Service and National Health Insurance Authority.

During his remarks, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders. He expressed appreciation to the Judicial Service of Ghana and the Office of the Chief Justice for their support in establishing the court, and thanked traditional leaders for providing land and blessing the project. He also recognized the clergy for their prayers and the media for amplifying the significance of the occasion.

He urged court staff—including judges, magistrates, and administrative personnel—to uphold professionalism and ensure the facility remains in excellent condition for future generations.

“Let this complex serve as a beacon of hope—a reminder that justice is for all, rich or poor,” he said. “When the vulnerable know that justice is within reach, their faith in the system is restored.”

Concluding his address, Afenyo-Markin called for continued collective efforts toward national development and renewed his commitment to defending the rule of law.

“Let history remember that on this day, the people of Effutu took a bold step toward justice and progress—and walked forward together,” he said.

By: Sheila Otuo Baffour