Supreme Court nominee, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, has suggested that Ghana’s judiciary should be allowed to retain between 50% to 70% of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to improve its operational capacity and overall efficiency.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Justice Mensah acknowledged the financial constraints hampering the work of the judiciary and emphasized the need for improved resource allocation.
He, however, cautioned against proposals for the judiciary to retain 100% of its internally generated revenue, noting that such a move would contradict the current legal framework which mandates that all IGF be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
Justice Mensah’s comments come amid growing concerns over the judiciary’s financial limitations, which many believe are affecting the timely and effective delivery of justice.
His proposal, if adopted, could provide the courts with more financial autonomy and enhance their capacity to address rising caseloads and infrastructure needs.
His recommendation adds to ongoing conversations about judicial reform and the broader call for improved resourcing of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Justice Mensah stated, “It’s really a good idea if that works out. But I’m afraid. The revenue that will generate is also backed by law. It must go to the consolidated fund, because it is from the consolidated fund that the government applies to its activities, including institutions of state and better judiciary. To say that the judiciary should retain 100 percent, I would not agree with that, but I would say that maybe about 50 or 70 percent must come to the judiciary.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
