The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has raised concerns about persistent delays within Ghana’s justice system, questioning whether inefficiencies should still burden the courts after more than a century of judicial evolution.
Speaking at the launch of the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Ghana in Accra on Thursday, April 16, 2026, he acknowledged that while the judiciary has made progress, significant systemic challenges remain unresolved.
“Should congestion and delays still burden our courts?” he asked, in a candid reflection on the state of justice delivery in the country.
The Chief Justice noted that despite the longevity and historical significance of the Court, its performance must be measured not by years but by effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of citizens. He stressed that the continued existence of delays, high costs, and limited access raises critical concerns about the system’s efficiency.
READ: Chief Justice calls for faster, more accessible justice at Supreme Court @150 Launch
“Are we where we should be?” he further questioned, pointing to issues such as reliance on manual processes in a digital age and barriers to justice linked to geography, time, and cost.
He clarified that these concerns were not directed at individuals but at systemic gaps that require urgent attention. According to him, failing to address such challenges risks undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
“Longevity, without renewal, is a quiet form of decline,” he stated, underscoring the need for continuous reform to ensure the justice system remains relevant and effective.
The Chief Justice reaffirmed that addressing delays and inefficiencies must be a central priority for the judiciary moving forward, noting that justice must be timely, accessible, and transparent to maintain public trust.
He emphasised that delayed justice weakens its impact, warning that “when justice comes too late… confidence is shaken.”
The remarks formed part of broader reflections during the anniversary launch, which is being marked under the theme, “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Defining the Future.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
