The platform also formed part of the Accountability, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, an EU funded programme that supports government’s efforts in the fight against corruption. It is also to replace the manual PRCUs set up by the Judicial Service since 2003.

Ms Cynthia Pamela A. Addo, the Judicial Secretary, in a speech read on her behalf, noted that corruption was a serious global issue that affects the development of many nations and destroyed human progress.

Ms Addo said the digitised platform of the PRCUs formed part of the Service’s Anti-Corruption Action Strategy to encourage citizens and users of the court to make complaints and receive timely feedback on any issue concerning the courts or the workers.

According to Ms Addo the PRCUs have now been expanded to seven regions.

“This is to reduce the distance and the time it takes to file and receive feedback on complaints from court users,” she said.  She explained that the PRCUs have also been provided with guidelines to produce a standard means of handling complaints to provide equal opportunity for every user to be treated in a fair manner.

The Judicial Secretary said the digitised platform of the PRCUs reinforced the Services commitment to winning the battle against corruption in the short, medium and long term. Maria Luisa Troncoso, the Head of Governance Section of the EU, noted that Public Complaint Units were critical tools to ensuring the effective performance of state institutions.

She said this would ensure accountability of the institutions where citizens could voice their concerns and receive clear and accessible response within established timeliness. Madam Troncoso said it was important that PRCUs were not only equipped with competent and efficient staff but the Units should sensitise the citizens to use such mechanisms to enhance accountability.

She said as a key stakeholder of the Accountability, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, the Judicial Service was being supported by the EU to enhance the adjudication of corruption cases, develop a web-based library as well as enhance mechanisms for internal accountability.

Mrs Justice Angelina M. Domakyaareh, a Court of Appeal Judge, and Head of the PRCUs, said within 17 months the units had been able to dispose of 402 cases out of the 503 petitions received.

She expressed optimism that the digitised PRCUs were going to ensure speed-up in handling of cases.