The Judicial Service of Ghana, in collaboration with the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the Kwahu Afram Plains North District Assembly had organized an outreach programme to sensitize stakeholders on community participation in the judicial system.

The outreach programme was also to explain the essential role that a strong and independent court plays in society.

The meeting, which took place at Donkorkrom, brought together stakeholders, including traditional authorities, students, the security services, teachers, assembly members, boat owners, women groups, heads of department and community members.

Among topics discussed include the criminal justice system, public complain procedure, the role of lawyers in criminal and civil proceedings, identifying child labour and punishment meted out to offenders under the labour and human trafficking acts.

Speaking at the programme, Justice James Benuyena Benson, the Eastern Regional Supervising High Court Judge said the Judicial Service is to establish more appeal courts in most parts of the region and upgrade all circuit courts to ease the difficulties people go through to access justice.

He said the Judicial Service is doing all it could to establish magistrate courts in all districts of the region, adding that, the state provides legal support for people in the low-income bracket to ensure equity.

Justice Benson said the practice is to ensure that those at the grassroots get access to legal representation to fight for their rights.

He assured that the Judicial Service would continue to initiate, maintain and enhance their outreach programmes as a way of encouraging community involvement in the justice system.

Mr. Samuel Kena, the Kwahu Afram Plains North District Chief Executive (DCE) commended the Judicial Service for choosing his district for such an educative programme to enlighten them on the justice system.