Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has unveiled plans to introduce 24-hour court operations in selected jurisdictions as part of broader reforms aimed at improving access to justice and reducing the cost of legal proceedings.
Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie highlighted the rising financial burden of litigation, which he attributed largely to systemic delays within the judicial process.
“It is true that the cost of litigation is now very high, or higher, as a result of the delays that are pursued in the courts,” he said. “Even minor offences in the criminal realm can become unduly expensive. Many people would prefer to seek justice, but they simply do not have the means; they are under-resourced.”
He revealed that the judiciary has been exploring practical solutions, including the establishment of night courts to operate beyond standard working hours.
“For some time now, we have been discussing the idea of introducing courts that operate around the clock, so that we can have night courts,” he explained. “These are all measures designed to augment the legal aid system. If there are more courts available to handle cases, the cost of litigation will definitely go down.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasised that the initiative would help decongest courts and accelerate the resolution of cases, particularly minor criminal and civil matters.
He added that the reform is part of a larger effort to modernise Ghana’s judiciary, making it more efficient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens.
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