The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has officially commissioned the Law House, a modern ten-storey edifice that will now serve as the new office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice, in Accra.
This landmark occasion signifies the culmination of a vision that began over two decades ago during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure as Attorney-General in the government of the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor.
Reflecting on the journey that led to this moment, President Akufo-Addo recalled how the vision for the Law House was conceived during his time as Attorney-General and expressed immense satisfaction in seeing it transformed into a tangible reality under his presidency. “Today is a day of great pride and accomplishment,” he declared. “This building stands as a testament to our government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing office accommodation challenges faced by the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice.”
The President took the opportunity to pay tribute to the current Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, whose dedication and perseverance were instrumental in bringing the project to completion. The Attorney-General assumed office in 2021 with the project barely thirty-six percent complete.
“His efforts ensured that this initiative, which could have easily ended up as another abandoned government project, was implemented to become the magnificent structure we celebrate today,” President Akufo-Addo said, extending a heartfelt “ayekoo” to the Attorney General.
Touching on the rule of law as the foundation of any thriving democracy, he said, “the rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, that the concept of equality before the law is respected, that justice is administered fairly and impartially, and that the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected. This building is a beacon of the country’s commitment to these principles and its vision of an equitable, free, and just society.”
Throughout his tenure, President Akufo-Addo’s administration has made significant strides in strengthening the rule of law in Ghana.
The commissioning of the Law House is a key milestone in this ongoing effort. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to provide a conducive environment for the efficient administration of justice, enhancing the capacity of the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice to serve the people of Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the broader implications of this achievement. The completion of the Law House is part of a larger vision to modernize and digitize Ghana’s legal and judicial systems. The introduction of electronic filing systems, which reduce reliance on paper-based documentation and streamline judicial processes, is a major leap forward in making justice more accessible and efficient. This initiative allows lawyers and litigants to file documents online, access case information, and receive updates in real-time, enhancing transparency and accountability within the legal system.
In addition to improving judicial infrastructure, the Akufo-Addo administration has prioritized the safety and security of judges. Since assuming office in 2017, the government has constructed numerous courthouses and residential facilities for judges across the country. By February 2024, seventy-nine new courthouses had been inaugurated, with twenty-one more projects at various stages of completion. These efforts aim to address the perennial problem of insufficient court infrastructure in Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of the Law House project and thanked successive Attorneys-General, the architects, engineers, contractors, and workers who brought the vision to life.