By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has established a Specialised High Court Division to handle specifically related to galamsey, Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP), Cybersecurity cases and other categories of cases deemed critical to national interest.
The directive was contained in a circular dated February 5, 2026, and issued under subsection 3 of section 14 of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459).
The newly created division will operate as part of the High Court and will be made up of Justices of the Superior Court who will be assigned from time to time to sit in the court.
Scope of Cases
The Specialised High Court Division will handle both criminal and civil matters in clearly defined areas, including:
vCases involving the recovery of property in which the state has an interest;
vOffences under the Narcotic Drugs (Control, Enforcement and Sanctions) Law, 1990 (PNDCL 236);
vMatters under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
The circular further states that the division may also hear any other cases as the Chief Justice may direct in writing.
The establishment of the Specialised High Court Division is expected to enhance efficiency in the adjudication of complex and high-profile cases, particularly those involving state interests, anti-corruption efforts, environmental protection, mining regulation, narcotics control, and cybersecurity.
The circular was signed by the Chief Justice on February 5, 2026, and distributed to Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates, as well as other judicial administrators across the country.
