Special Courts to Deliver Faster, Fairer Justice — Judicial Secretary

Introduction

In a bold move to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Ghana’s justice system, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has established a Specialised High Court Division. This initiative, described by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed as a principled application of “specialisation,” aims to deliver justice more swiftly and fairly to all citizens. The reform is part of a broader judicial agenda to address longstanding challenges in the legal system, particularly in cases involving corruption, environmental crimes, and public accountability.

Key Points

Background

The establishment of the Specialised High Court Division comes in response to public outcry over the slow pace of justice, particularly in cases involving public funds and illegal mining. Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who was sworn in on November 17, 2025, has made judicial reform a cornerstone of his tenure. The new division is not a dismantling of the existing court structure but a deliberate deepening of specialisation within the High Court.

Analysis

The Principle of Specialisation

The concept of specialisation is not new to the justice system. In economics, the division of labour allows for more efficient production by assigning specific tasks to individuals or groups. Similarly, in the legal system, specialisation can lead to faster and more effective case resolution. By assigning judges with specific expertise to handle complex cases, the Specialised High Court aims to streamline the judicial process and reduce delays.

Addressing Key Issues

The mandate of the Specialised High Court is broad, covering some of the most pressing issues in Ghana today. Corruption and public accountability cases, for instance, have long been a source of frustration for citizens. By dedicating a division to these cases, the judiciary is signalling its commitment to tackling these challenges head-on. Similarly, environmental crimes, particularly those related to illegal mining (galamsey), have had devastating effects on Ghana’s natural resources. The new division will ensure that these cases are handled with the urgency and expertise they require.

Extended Court Hours

One of the most significant changes introduced by the Chief Justice is the extension of court hours. Traditionally, courts in Ghana have operated from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. By extending these hours to 6:30 pm, the judiciary is taking a proactive step to manage increased caseloads without further delays. This change is particularly important given the volume of cases the Specialised High Court is expected to handle.

Legal and Technological Innovations

The reforms are not just administrative but are grounded in law. Section 14(3) of the Courts Act, 1993, empowers the Chief Justice to establish specialised divisions within the High Court. Additionally, CI 47, Order One of the Rules of Court, mandates that the rules exist to achieve efficient and speedy justice. These legal provisions provide a solid foundation for the reforms.

The Judicial Service is also revising the Rules of Court, expected to come into force by March 2026. Alongside this, technological innovations are being introduced to further enhance justice delivery. These changes are part of a broader effort to modernise the judiciary and make it more accessible to all citizens.

Practical Advice

For citizens seeking justice, the establishment of the Specialised High Court Division offers new hope. Here are some practical steps to take advantage of these reforms:

1. **Stay Informed**: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the judiciary by following official announcements and news reports.
2. **Understand the Mandate**: Familiarise yourself with the types of cases the Specialised High Court will handle. This will help you determine if your case falls within its jurisdiction.
3. **Utilise Extended Hours**: If you have a case in the High Court, take advantage of the extended hours to ensure your case is heard without unnecessary delays.
4. **Leverage Technology**: As the judiciary introduces technological innovations, explore how these can be used to streamline your interactions with the court system.

FAQ

Conclusion

The establishment of the Specialised High Court Division marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s judicial reform agenda. By applying the principle of specialisation, extending court hours, and introducing technological innovations, the judiciary is taking concrete steps to deliver faster and fairer justice. These reforms are not just administrative changes but are grounded in law and aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the country today. As the judiciary continues to modernise, citizens can look forward to a more efficient and accessible justice system.