Specialised High Court Division to Be Staffed with Trained Judges from Court of Appeal — Judicial Secretary

Introduction

In a significant move to strengthen Ghana’s judicial system, the Judicial Service has announced that the newly established Specialised High Court Division will be staffed with specially trained judges, many of whom will be drawn from the Court of Appeal. This development, revealed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, signals a major shift in how Ghana plans to tackle complex and high-profile cases involving corruption, public accountability, natural resources, and organised crime. This article explores the implications of this reform, the background behind it, and what it means for justice delivery in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

Ghana has long faced challenges in prosecuting complex cases, particularly those involving corruption, illegal mining, and organised crime. Public frustration has grown as high-profile cases have dragged on for years, eroding confidence in the justice system. In response, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, exercising powers under Section 14(3) of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), established the Specialised High Court Division in February 2026. The initiative aims to create a dedicated judicial pipeline for cases of national importance, staffed by judges with the necessary expertise and training.

Analysis

Strategic Staffing with Experienced Judges

One of the most significant aspects of this reform is the decision to staff the Specialised High Court Division with judges who have already undergone specialized training. According to Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, these judges have received training in areas such as maritime law, cybersecurity, and financial crime—fields directly relevant to the division’s mandate. Importantly, a majority of these judges will be drawn from the Court of Appeal, bringing a wealth of experience and judicial acumen to the new division.

Focus on High-Impact Areas

The division will concentrate on four critical areas: corruption and public accountability, natural resources and illegal mining (galamsey), state asset recovery, and organised crime and security. These areas reflect some of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana today, from the plundering of public funds to the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining. By dedicating a specialized court to these issues, the judiciary aims to expedite justice and send a clear message that such crimes will be met with swift and decisive action.

Extended Court Hours and Technological Innovation

To support the increased caseload, the Chief Justice has mandated that High Court offices remain open from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays. This extension of working hours is designed to ensure that cases are heard and resolved more efficiently. Additionally, the Judicial Service is revising the Rules of Court, with new rules expected to come into force by March 2026. These reforms are accompanied by technological innovations aimed at further enhancing the delivery of justice across the country.

Public Confidence and Accountability

The establishment of the Specialised High Court Division is a direct response to public outcry over the slow pace of justice in high-profile cases. By creating a dedicated, well-resourced judicial pipeline, the judiciary is taking concrete steps to restore public confidence and ensure that cases involving public funds and national security are handled with the urgency and expertise they deserve.

Practical Advice

For legal practitioners and stakeholders, this reform presents both opportunities and challenges. Lawyers handling cases in the new division should familiarize themselves with the specialized areas of focus and the qualifications of the judges assigned. Additionally, the extended court hours and new Rules of Court will require adjustments in case preparation and scheduling. Staying informed about the latest developments and training opportunities will be crucial for those seeking to effectively navigate this new judicial landscape.

FAQ

Conclusion

The establishment of the Specialised High Court Division marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s judicial history. By staffing the division with experienced, specially trained judges and focusing on the country’s most pressing legal challenges, the judiciary is taking bold steps to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of justice delivery. As these reforms take shape, they offer hope for a more accountable, transparent, and responsive legal system—one that better serves the needs of all Ghanaians.