Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has proposed the establishment of specialised courts to handle cases related to illegal mining (galamsey) and financial irregularities identified by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), as part of wider judicial reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and access to justice.
The proposal was made during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, at Parliament House on Monday, January 26.
Welcoming the Chief Justice, Speaker Bagbin described the visit as historic, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Judiciary and the Legislature in deepening Ghana’s democratic governance and strengthening state institutions.
During the engagement, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlined key reform priorities, including the creation of dedicated courts to fast-track galamsey-related cases and other financial infractions frequently highlighted in reports of the Public Accounts Committee.
He explained that the establishment of such specialised courts would enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and strengthen enforcement of accountability, particularly in cases with serious environmental and financial consequences.
Beyond the proposed courts, the Chief Justice also advocated for expanded access to justice, proposing the introduction of a shift system in court operations to help reduce the growing backlog of cases. He further called for reforms in legal education to ensure that training remains responsive to emerging challenges and advancements in technology.
To effectively implement these reforms, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie appealed for practical support, including secure office accommodation for the Judiciary, enhanced security for judicial officers, and expedited approval to recruit additional staff and technical experts.
The meeting highlighted a shared commitment by both leaders to institutional reform and inter-arm cooperation, with a strong focus on improving justice delivery and safeguarding public resources
