By Prince Acquah, GNA
Cape Coast, July 06, GNA – The Judicial Service of Ghana has initiated plans to renovate and transform the historic West African Court of Appeal (WACA) building at Bakano in Cape Coast into a museum and research centre.
This is to preserve the site’s rich judicial heritage and promote tourism in the ancient city.
The WACA served as the premier regional appellate court for the English-speaking British West African territories of the Gold Coast (now Ghana), Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia from 1926 to 1957.
Today, however, the once-iconic structure stands as a pale shadow of its former self, dilapidated and severely deteriorated, with barely any trace of the dignity, justice and honour it once symbolised.
The abandoned building has become a haven for squatters and a hideout for miscreants, providing a venue for various antisocial activities.
Justice Richard Adjei Frimpong, a Justice of the Supreme Court and Chairman of the Supreme Court at150 Anniversary Planning Committee, said the building was too significant to be left to decay, lamenting its current condition.
He disclosed that, as part of the proposed redevelopment, the Judicial Service was engaging the Oguaa Traditional Council on plans to incorporate accommodation facilities into the project to host researchers and other visitors.
He said the initiative would not only preserve an important chapter of Ghana’s judicial history but also complement Cape Coast’s tourism potential.
Justice Frimpong recounted that the WACA served the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Nigeria until it became obsolete following the independence of the constituent territories.
“Under the Constitution, we have our own Court of Appeal, so this is not going to function as a court. We are thinking of turning it into a museum and a research centre,” he said.
As part of activities marking the Supreme Court at150 anniversary, the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the premises to retrace the roots of Ghana’s judicial system, preserve its history and reaffirm the Judiciary’s commitment to restoring the building to its former glory.
He was assisted by Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, and the Rt Rev Richardson Aboagye Andam, Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana.
Part of the inscription on the plaque reads: “Comprising a President and Judges of the Supreme Courts of the constituent territories, WACA heard civil and criminal appeals from their Superior Courts.
“Appeals from WACA lay to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the United Kingdom. The Court ceased to exist as the territories attained independence, beginning with Ghana.”
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Prince Acquah
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