At the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Kumasi today, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took stock of his administration’s efforts to reform the judiciary, describing these changes as pivotal in modernizing Ghana’s legal system and improving access to justice for all citizens. With just months left in his presidency, Akufo-Addo highlighted a range of initiatives that have strengthened judicial independence, reduced inefficiencies, and enhanced transparency within the country’s legal framework.
One of the key achievements of his presidency, he explained, was the introduction of electronic filing systems across the judiciary. This innovation has replaced outdated paper-based processes with digital platforms, allowing lawyers and litigants to file documents online and receive real-time updates on case proceedings. “This initiative has not only expedited the handling of cases, but it has also enhanced transparency and accountability,” Akufo-Addo said.
President Akufo-Addo further highlighted the establishment of a permanent Court of Appeal complex in Kumasi, a development aimed at improving justice delivery in the northern sector of Ghana. This facility, supported by modern residences for justices, enables more efficient handling of cases from the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and other regions, reducing delays in the appeals process. He expressed optimism that this infrastructure would ease the burden on both the judiciary and litigants in these areas.
In his speech, the President also detailed his administration’s ambitious court construction project. Launched in 2020, the initiative set out to construct 100 new courthouses nationwide, along with residential facilities for judges. As of February 2024, 79 courthouses had been completed and inaugurated, with the remaining 21 projects nearing completion. These developments, coupled with the construction of 121 residential units for judges across the country, mark a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing issue of insufficient court infrastructure.
“We have done enough to address the perennial problem of insufficient court infrastructure in Ghana,” President Akufo-Addo asserted, underscoring his government’s commitment to improving access to justice.