Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/R), Nov. 12, GNA-The Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has inaugurated a child friendly-Gender based Violence Court at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region.
The UNICEF refurbished the Dormaa Circuit Court, equipped with child friendly equipment including, child testifying and children rooms, playing rooms with books and toys to meet desirable standards.
Justice Anin-Yeboah said the Judiciary was going through vigorous reformation to make justice service delivery accessible to all social class of people and help to achieve desirable targets set for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said the best interest of the child ought to be paramount in national development process, and commended the UNICEF for its continuous support to the Judiciary.
Justice Anin-Yeboah said the Judiciary was committed to its vision to enhancinng judicial infrastructure to international standards and advised the users of the facility to ensure regular maintenance.
Justice Patrick Bayeh, the Supervising High Court Judge for Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions said the Judicial Service was committed to bringing the court closer to the citizenry and facilitating judicial processes.
The Court, he explained would help to reduce the burden of trauma children faced, as they waited for prosecution of cases of their interest and assured the Court would be maintained and utilized judiciously.
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister said peace and tranquility were pre-requisite for development and asked the people to protect the prevailing peace of the area.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and inform the Police with information on people with questionable characters and cases of domestic violence.
Mad. Owusu-Banahene expressed the hope the Court would greatly improve justice delivery system in the Dormaa Central Municipality and beyond and advised the people to cooperate with the Judicial Service workers.
The Regional Minister entreated the Judicial Service staff to make professionalism a hallmark to maintain public confidence and trust in the Judiciary.
Mrs. Hilda Mensah, Child Protection Specialist at the UNICEF indicated the facility was a significant milestone reformation, thereby making justice service delivery easily accessible to particularly girls in the area.
She described Court room as a daunting experience for all, saying just a thought of going t to Court could intimidate and deter victims of sexual violence from testifying in Court.
Osagyefo Osaedeeyo Dr. Agyeman-Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, expressed appreciation to the CJ, the government and the UNICEF and promised to support in ensuring proper maintenance of the Court.
He said infrastructural development in the judicial system had improved under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government and commended the CJ for his efforts towards justice delivery.
Osagyefo Dr. Agyeman-Badu II cautioned the people against crime, particularly defilement, and reminded them children had no consented right to have sexual intercourse.
He told chiefs in the area and beyond to desist from unnecessary interference and allow the Police to work, particularly on cases relating to sexual violence, saying the Dormaa Traditional Council would not tolerate chiefs and queens who shielded suspects.
GNA