This article examines the implications of the stalled construction of the Upper West High Court complex on public procurement processes.
Long Delays and Abandonment
The construction of the Upper West High Court complex has been mired in delays for nearly two decades, with the site now described as a ‘cemetery’ by frustrated legal practitioners. Members of the Ghana Bar Association and state prosecutors have expressed their discontent, highlighting the lack of a modern courtroom in the regional capital. Despite assurances from various high-level inspections and delegations, the contractor has abandoned the site, leaving it vulnerable to theft and deterioration. The situation has raised serious concerns about the quality of work and the management of public procurement processes.
Impact on Justice Delivery
The absence of a dedicated High Court facility has severely compromised justice delivery in the Upper West Region, where legal practitioners are forced to operate out of dilapidated makeshift structures. The Wa Circuit Court, currently in use, exhibits significant structural issues, posing risks to both staff and litigants. Legal professionals have voiced their fears regarding safety and operational efficiency, with some even sharing experiences of having to wait outside their vehicles before entering courtrooms. The ongoing delays in completing the new complex have left the region’s justice system in a precarious state.
Contractor’s Response and Accountability
In response to the allegations of abandonment, Project Seven Limited, the contractor for the High Court complex, has stated that it has not deserted the site but is awaiting payment for outstanding certificates from the Judicial Service and central government. This situation raises important questions about accountability in public procurement, particularly regarding the financial management of contracts and the timely disbursement of funds. Legal stakeholders are now calling on the Chief Justice and the Attorney General to intervene and ensure that the contractor returns to complete the project, emphasising the urgent need for a functional court system.
IN NUMBERS
The ongoing situation surrounding the Upper West High Court complex underscores the challenges faced in public procurement, particularly in ensuring timely project completion and accountability among contractors.
Reported from myjoyonline.com, 2026-09-05. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
