Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed her support for ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and access to justice within Ghana’s judicial system. This commitment followed a high-level briefing held at her office this week, where Chief Justice Baffoe Bonnie, accompanied by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed and Professor Raymond Atuguba, outlined the Judiciary’s recent achievements and strategic priorities for the coming year. During the meeting, the Vice President expressed her appreciation for the comprehensive update and specifically commended initiatives aimed at modernizing the nation’s legal framework.
A central focus of the discussions involved comprehensive plans to decongest the court system through the introduction of morning and afternoon sessions and the expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution services. The Chief Justice also highlighted the establishment of specialized courts, including dedicated “Galamsey” courts tasked with the prosecution of illegal mining cases. To further streamline legal proceedings, the Judiciary is finalizing revisions to the Rules of Court, which are anticipated to take effect by March. Additionally, the Chief Justice announced a proposal to decentralize the Ghana Law School entrance examination by accrediting selected law faculties to administer the standardized test across the country.
Beyond procedural reforms, the delegation addressed infrastructure and technology, noting that plans are underway to construct a new Supreme Court Complex to resolve current security and office space constraints. The Judiciary also intends to accelerate the operationalization of the E-Justice system to enhance digital integration within the courts. In response to these developments, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the importance of these initiatives in improving the delivery of justice and assured the judicial leadership of her continued backing as they implement these critical reforms.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
