Judicial Service to Open Court of Appeal Nationwide

Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has announced plans for the Judicial Service to resume Court of Appeal sittings nationwide in April 2024. This decision comes after the suspension of some Court of Appeal sittings in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing members of the Judicial Press Corps, Chief Justice Torkornoo outlined the strategic reorganization of Court of Appeal operations. The Court of Appeal in Kumasi will now serve the Ashanti, Bono East, Bono West, and Ahafo Regions. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce virtual hearings at the Kumasi Court of Appeal to enhance accessibility for residents in Tamale and the northern part of the country.

Chief Justice Torkornoo also highlighted the need for proximity and efficiency in the justice delivery system. As a result, cases of appeal from the Western North will be handled by the Court of Appeal in Kumasi. Furthermore, the Central and Western Court of Appeal will be reopened in Sekondi instead of Cape Coast, due to deteriorating facilities in the latter requiring new infrastructure.

The decision-making process involved extensive consultations with Parliament, the Ghana Bar Association, and other stakeholders in the justice delivery chain. Chief Justice Torkornoo underscored the importance of these collaborations in ensuring effective justice delivery across the country.

In addition to the Court of Appeal resumption, the Judicial Service is actively pursuing initiatives to enhance legal education and infrastructure. Plans for paralegal training, in collaboration with the Judicial Training Institute and Ministry of Finance, are underway. Furthermore, ongoing renovation works at the Supreme Court Building, including the refurbishment of washrooms, demonstrate the commitment to improving judicial facilities.