The decision to commence the Court Shift System (CSS) is commendable and addresses the inefficiencies inherent in the current court structures and working hours for country court staff and lawyers. Ensuring efficient judiciary services and creating employment opportunities while generating income through fees and court charges are key objectives of this initiative.
Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, President of the National Democratic Congress Professional Forum, highlighted these points during an interview on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Yalley emphasized the importance of addressing the backlog of cases promptly, as delayed justice is tantamount to denied justice. He noted that the Judicial Service has engaged in extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Ghana Bar Association, to pilot the CSS as a means to enhance justice delivery.
In a related development, the Judicial Service announced plans to implement a shift system, allowing certain courts to operate in the evenings to alleviate the backlog of cases.
During a media interaction after the opening of a new Circuit Court in Atebubu, Bono East Region, Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo hinted at the forthcoming implementation of the CSS on a pilot basis. The initiative, spearheaded by Justice Torkornoo, aims to divide selected courts into morning and afternoon sessions, running from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. respectively.
Scheduled to commence on March 25th of this year, the CSS has garnered mixed reactions from legal practitioners. While some laud its potential to alleviate the backlog of cases, others advocate for alternative solutions.
The CSS will initially be piloted in specific courts, including the two High Courts at Adentan, Amasaman High Court 1, Circuit Court at Weija, District Courts at La and Teshie, as well as the two District Courts at Madina and Nsawam High Court.
In a circular dated March 14, 2024, addressed to all courts and signed by Judicial Secretary Justice Cyra Pamela Addo, it was stated that courts with more than 600 pending cases were targeted for the CSS pilot. This move aims to expedite case resolution and enhance access to justice.
Hon. Sam Pee Yalley elucidated that the rationale behind the CSS lies in the significant caseloads observed across various courts nationwide. By implementing flexible court hours, the CSS seeks to reduce case backlogs, improve accessibility to justice, and enhance overall judicial effectiveness.
Moreover, the circular emphasized that the CSS would optimize existing court resources. Justice Torkornoo commended the government’s construction of over 100 new courts, which is expected to further increase access to justice.
[For further communication: AYM Kukah, Email: kukahalexander7@gmail.com]
