Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has initiated a court shift system in specific courts aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility in dispensing justice nationwide.

This new system, slated to commence on March 25, 2024, will be implemented initially as a pilot program.

Under this arrangement, courts will hold two sessions each day: a morning session from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and an afternoon session from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

This scheduling aims to accommodate more cases and provide greater flexibility for both court officials and litigants.

According to a directive issued by Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, the Judicial Secretary, the pilot program will initially involve several courts, including Adentan High Court 1 and 2, Amasaman High Court 2, Weija Circuit Court, La and Teshie District Courts, and Madina District Court A and B, in addition to the High Court in Nsawam.

“It is envisaged that the court shift system when implemented will reduce the backlog cases in the specified courts, improve accessibility to justice for citizens by offering flexible court hours that accommodate diverse schedules and enhance the overall effectiveness of the judicial system.”

The choice to introduce the shift system is motivated by the necessity to confront significant case backlogs identified during a nationwide review of court dockets.

Certain courts were discovered to be grappling with an excessive number of pending cases, with figures surpassing 600 in some instances.

The implementation of this shift system seeks to streamline court proceedings and relieve the strain on judicial resources.

The ultimate goal is to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of justice delivery.