By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has warned that delays in the judicial system weaken the delivery of justice, declaring that “delayed justice is diluted justice” and urging reforms to make the Supreme Court of Ghana faster and more accessible.
Speaking at the court’s 150th anniversary celebration on April 16 in Accra, the Chief Justice acknowledged that challenges persist despite ongoing efforts, noting that delays remain a concern.
“We cannot say all is well; there are still delays and barriers. The future of the Supreme Court must be faster,” he said.
He stressed that the timing and accessibility of justice are critical to its effectiveness, noting that delays undermine its impact.
“When justice comes too late, or feels too far, it becomes an obstruction to those who need it most,” he said.
Linking delays to the denial of rights, he added: “Obscured justice is inaccessible justice, and distant justice is denied justice.”
The Chief Justice also identified speed and accessibility as key priorities for the court’s future. His comments come amid broader public discourse on judicial efficiency and the need to restore confidence in the legal system.
They also highlight concerns about case backlogs and procedural bottlenecks within Ghana’s courts, particularly at the apex court. Legal practitioners and civil society groups have repeatedly cited prolonged adjudication periods as a barrier for ordinary citizens seeking redress.
The judiciary has in recent years introduced interventions such as court automation and case management systems to address delays. However, the Chief Justice’s remarks suggest that challenges remain and that further action is needed to ensure justice is timely and accessible to all.
