President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghana’s Judiciary to pursue reforms aimed at improving efficiency, embracing appropriate technology, and making justice more accessible to all citizens.
The President made the call in Accra during the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court, where he highlighted the importance of a justice system that delivers timely, accessible, and well-reasoned decisions.
Mahama Raises Concerns Over Delays in Justice Delivery
President Mahama expressed concern about prolonged court cases, avoidable adjournments, and delays in delivering judgments, warning that such challenges could undermine public confidence in the Judiciary.
According to the President, justice must not only be properly administered but must also be delivered within a reasonable period. He noted that excessive delays can have serious consequences for individuals and institutions seeking resolution through the courts.
He stressed that improving the efficiency of the justice system should therefore remain a priority for the Judiciary.
Technology Key to Modernising the Judiciary
President Mahama also encouraged the Judiciary to embrace appropriate technology as part of efforts to modernise court processes and improve access to justice.
He indicated that the effective use of technology could help reduce administrative delays, improve case management, and make court services more accessible to citizens.
The call forms part of broader discussions about institutional reforms and the need for public institutions to adapt to changing technological and social demands.
Public Confidence Depends on More Than Court Decisions
The President emphasized that public confidence in the Judiciary depends not only on the quality of judicial decisions but also on the conduct of judges, accessibility of the courts, and the speed with which cases are determined.
He urged judges to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, fairness, and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
According to him, citizens must have confidence that their cases will be handled fairly and without unnecessary delays.
Supreme Court Judgments Must Provide Clear Guidance
President Mahama further urged the Supreme Court to ensure that its judgments are clear, well-reasoned, and capable of providing dependable guidance to lower courts, public institutions, lawyers, and citizens.
He stressed the importance of well-articulated judicial decisions in strengthening consistency and clarity within Ghana’s legal system.
Clear judgments, he noted, help legal practitioners and lower courts better understand and apply principles established by the Supreme Court.
Renewed Focus on Judicial Reform
The President’s remarks have renewed discussions about the need for continued reforms within Ghana’s justice system, particularly in the areas of case management, court accessibility, technology, and timely delivery of judgments.
His call comes as the Judiciary continues to play a central role in protecting constitutional rights, resolving disputes, and upholding the rule of law.
The swearing-in of the three new Supreme Court Justices also marks another step in strengthening the country’s highest court as it continues to handle important constitutional, civil, criminal, and public-interest matters.