Judge shortage delays justice in Upper West as new court complex nears completion
Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Upper West Regional Minister, says the new Upper West Regional Court Complex could be commissioned before the next legal year begins in October. According to Mr. Puozuing, construction works on the complex are almost complete, with only finishing to be done. He said, "All things remaining constant, it will just be left with the finishing. You can see it physically when you visit, and with your blessings, we might be able to commission it before the next legal year that starts in October."
Mr. Puozuing stressed that the bigger challenge facing the judiciary in the region is the shortage of judges and court staff. The Tumu District Court currently has no judge, resulting in delays in handling cases from the Sissala area. Mr. Puozuing stated that Jirapa also has a difficulty currently, Nadowli has a judge and is very active, and Lawra has a district judge but no circuit judge. The new court complex is expected to accommodate 3 circuit courts and 2 high courts, increasing the demand for more judicial officers in the region. At present, only 1 high court judge serves the entire region from Wa. Mr. Puozuing also raised concerns about staffing shortages across the judiciary, noting that recent recruitment exercises had not brought additional personnel to the Upper West Region.
Bede A. Ziedeng, Ranking Member of Parliament's Judiciary Committee, acknowledged the concerns raised and said Parliament would address the issues. He said, "We are speaking to the right people because it is Parliament that places oversight over the executive and holds the purse." Umar Alhassan, Deputy Ranking Member of the committee, questioned delays in completing furnishing and final works on the project, despite funds reportedly having been released since December. Mr. Ziedeng further assured that the committee would engage the Chief Justice on the need to deploy more judges and magistrates to regions outside
Quick Summary
The Upper West Regional Court Complex is nearing completion- but the region's judiciary faces critical staffing and logistical challenges. The shortage of judges and court staff threatens to undermine access to justice in the region.
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