Ghana’s Judiciary Marks 150 Years of the Supreme Court with Urgent Calls for Digital Reform, ADR Adoption, and Judicial Expansion

As Ghana celebrates the 150th anniversary of its Supreme Court, prominent members of the judiciary and legal community are calling for a multi-faceted overhaul of the justice system to enhance transparency and efficiency. Speaking during commemorative discussions on the JoyNews program, The Law, several high-ranking judges emphasized that the future of Ghanaian justice depends on embracing technology, increasing the judicial workforce, and shifting the public’s mindset away from traditional litigation toward Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The collective sentiment suggests that while the judiciary has made significant strides, systemic backlogs and geographical barriers continue to hinder equitable access to justice.

Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo of the Supreme Court proposed that the judiciary consider live-streaming certain proceedings to boost public confidence and transparency. Citing the successful broadcast of the 2012 presidential election petition, he argued that technology can bridge the gap between the court and the citizenry. However, he cautioned that such a move must balance transparency with the dignity of the court, particularly given Ghana’s heavy judicial caseload and the potential for courtroom theatrics. This push for transparency is complemented by Justice Dr. Ernest Owusu-Dapaa of the Court of Appeal, who noted that digitization is already strengthening justice delivery. He emphasized that the quality of justice must not depend on a person’s geographical location, praising the deployment of e-justice infrastructure as a tool for ensuring that every Ghanaian can access the court system regardless of where they reside.

Simultaneously, judicial officials are raising alarms over the mounting pressure on the Supreme Court caused by a persistent preference for traditional litigation. Circuit Court Judge Susana Nyajortey highlighted that public reluctance to use ADR mechanisms is creating an avoidable backlog of cases in higher courts. Despite ADR being faster and more cost-effective, both the public and legal professionals often default to the conventional court system. This perspective was echoed by Nana Prof. Dr. Susubiribi Krobea Asante, the Paramount Chief of Asante-Asokore, who advocated for stronger institutional backing for mediation and arbitration. He asserted that a robust ADR system would not only alleviate court congestion but also foster social cohesion by resolving disputes amicably rather than through adversarial litigation.

To address the immediate delays in case disposal, Judge Susana Nyakortey also advocated for the urgent appointment of more judges to strengthen the judicial workforce. She argued that increasing the number of judges is essential to expedite hearings and restore public faith in the administration of justice. Furthermore, she suggested that the Legal Aid Commission should employ more lawyers to assist those who cannot afford private representation, ensuring that the right to a timely trial is a reality for all. As the judiciary reflects on its 150-year journey, these experts agree that the path forward requires a synergy of human resource expansion, technological innovation, and a cultural shift toward more efficient dispute resolution methods.