In a bid to address the overwhelming caseload in selected courts, the Judicial Service has announced the implementation of a Court Shift System, scheduled to commence on March 25, 2024. This pilot initiative aims to optimize the utilization of existing court resources with the ultimate goal of reducing the backlog of cases before the Courts.
A circular addressed to the staff of the service highlighted the impetus behind the Court Shift System, citing findings from a physical count of dockets across all Courts nationwide. It revealed that several identified Courts are burdened with substantial caseloads, some exceeding 600 pending cases.
The eight courts selected to pilot the shift system are as follows:
1. High Court 1, Adentan
2. High Court 2, Adentan
3. High Court 1, Amasaman
4. Circuit Court, Weija
5. District Court, La
6. District Court, Teshie
7. District Courts A&B, Madina
8. High Court, Nsawam
Under the new system, the morning shift will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the afternoon session will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The circular, signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, announced the introduction of the Court Shift System by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. It expressed optimism that the implementation of this system will not only alleviate the backlog of cases in the specified courts but also enhance accessibility to justice for citizens by offering flexible court hours that accommodate diverse schedules. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the overall effectiveness of the judicial system will be significantly improved.
This innovative approach underscores the commitment of the Judicial Service to continually seek ways to enhance the dispensation of justice and improve the efficiency of court operations. As the Court Shift System undergoes its pilot phase, it is expected to yield valuable insights and pave the way for potential expansion to other courts in the future.
-source Adomonline | curated by Tetteh Belinda | Ghana Crimes
