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Ghana’s Supreme Court faces mounting challenges with an overwhelming caseload and a limited number of justices to handle them.
This issue was highlighted by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo last year in a letter to the former president, urging an increase in the number of justices to strengthen the court’s capacity.
Dr. Dominic Ayine, the nominee for Attorney General and Minister for Justice, addressed these concerns during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, 2025. He presented innovative proposals aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Ghana’s apex court and addressing broader issues within the justice system.
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Dr. Ayine suggested adopting a model similar to that of the United States Supreme Court, where a threshold mechanism determines whether cases qualify to be listed. This approach, he argued, would streamline the court’s workload by prioritising cases of national importance and merit.
Additionally, he proposed creating specialised panels within the Supreme Court to address cases based on subject matter expertise. By dividing cases among specialised divisions, the court could ensure timely decisions and improve overall efficiency.
Dr. Ayine also touched on combating corruption, proposing the establishment of whistleblower agencies in every district across the country.
He emphasised the importance of decentralising anti-corruption efforts, arguing that institutions designed to tackle corruption should not be concentrated in Accra alone. The proposed whistleblower agencies would include hotlines for reporting corruption, empowering citizens to take an active role in promoting transparency.
While outlining his vision for the legal system, Dr. Ayine expressed reservations about a bill introduced by the former attorney general to reform Ghana’s criminal justice system. Although he did not elaborate on specific objections, his comments suggest the need for further dialogue on the bill’s implications.
