Sekondi, Feb. 10, - GNA-The Western Region is to have a commercial Court complex to enable it to handle disputes relating to business, investment and other issues, especially when oil extraction and sales begin. Mrs Georgina Theresa Wood, the Chief Justice said this when she paid a courtesy call on Mr. Anthony E. Amoah, Western Regional Minister at Sekondi on Friday. She said the abundance of several mineral resources made disputes and other related cases to overburden the courts. To address this, Mrs Wood said Justice Yaw Appau and Justice Isaac Duose, have been appointed as appeal court judges and have oversight responsibility of the entire region. The establishment of an appeal court with two judges was aimed at minimising the frequent travels of several people seeking justice in Accra.

She said the new court complex, would have the state of the art equipments to facilitate the work of lawyers and judges while accommodation for judges would also be provided. Mr. Amoah reminded the CJ that the Region deserved to have the best infrastructure that would promote the administration of justice. Nana Kobina Nketsia, Omanhene of Essikadu said the value of Ghanaian women should not be underestimated, adding that the foundation of African culture was centred around the woman. He said though women must be accorded a place of pride, many communities rather abuse them and marginalise them. Mrs Wood thanked the chief and pledged to work hard to ensure that justice delivery was improved. Addressing the staff of the judiciary, Mrs Wood said the appointment of two appeal court judges was not aimed at damaging existing relationship between the bench and the bar but rather aimed at improving their lot. She said hard work, integrity and seniority would be used to access all judiciary staff and urged them to avoid lateness, absenteeism and other negative work habits. Mrs Wood charged the administrators to be innovative and devise ways of working to ensure unity and improved staff-client relationship at all courts.