The Supreme Court’s Caseload Crisis: A Demand for Immediate Reform

Ghana stands at a judicial crossroads. With a population just over 33 million, our Supreme Court already struggles with 16 justices, and now, the Chief Justice has audaciously recommended adding four more. This proposal is more than a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a glaring indictment of our failing judicial system, rife with inefficiency, political manipulation, and escalating costs that we, the citizens, can no longer tolerate.

The Supreme Court, our highest bastion of justice, is drowning in cases that should never reach its hallowed halls. This mismanagement forces us to ask: Why is the Supreme Court being transformed into a mere clearinghouse for the overflow from lower courts? The answer lies in a broken system that urgently demands an overhaul.

Strengthen Lower Courts: Stop the Supreme Court from Drowning

Our lower courts are in shambles, underfunded and overwhelmed. This neglect ensures that cases are pushed upward, clogging the Supreme Court with matters that should be resolved much earlier. I demand a robust lower court system, replete with more judges, better training, and the resources needed to handle complex cases effectively. It’s time the executive and judicial branches stop ignoring this glaring deficiency and act now to fortify our lower courts.

Establish Intermediate Appellate Courts: The Necessary Buffer

Intermediate appellate courts are not a luxury; they are a necessity. These courts would act as critical buffers, filtering cases before they swamp the Supreme Court. The absence of this crucial layer is a testament to short-sighted governance. I demand the immediate establishment of these appellate courts to relieve the Supreme Court and restore sanity to our judicial process.

Refine Case Selection Criteria: Focus on What Matters

The Supreme Court should not be a dumping ground. It must focus solely on cases of profound constitutional and national importance. Implementing stringent criteria for case selection is not optional—it is imperative. I demand a rigorous screening process that ensures only the most critical cases reach the Supreme Court, preserving its sanctity and purpose.

Promote Alternative Dispute Resolution: Swift and Efficient Justice

Why are we not utilizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms more aggressively? Mediation and arbitration can resolve many disputes more swiftly and amicably than the courts. The overreliance on formal litigation is a drain on resources and time. I demand a nationwide push for ADR, reducing the court’s burden and delivering justice more efficiently.

Implement Judicial Reforms: Enough Delays

Our legal frameworks are archaic, our procedural rules convoluted, and our case management systems outdated. This is unacceptable. Judicial reforms are not mere improvements; they are essential corrections to a failing system. I demand immediate, sweeping judicial reforms to modernize our processes, eliminate delays, and ensure transparency and efficiency at all judicial levels.

The Hidden Costs of Expanding the Bench

The Chief Justice’s recommendation to appoint four more justices is a costly, misguided attempt to treat the symptoms rather than the disease. Each additional justice brings significant financial burdens—salaries, benefits, and operational costs—paid by the taxpayers. More justices mean more inefficiencies, prolonged deliberations, and the real risk of judicial politicization. This move threatens to erode public confidence and undermine judicial independence. I demand a halt to this unnecessary expansion and a focus on real solutions.

Addressing Political Manipulation
The Supreme Court’s handling of some politically sensitive cases in the immediate past has not been the best. This has given rise to serious questions about why a president, during his tenure, has been seen packing the Supreme Court with politically aligned justices. Numbers do not necessarily reflect or offer efficiency. The integrity of our judiciary is at stake, and we must resist any attempt to politicize it further.

Ghanaians, it’s time to raise our voices against this judicial chaos. The Supreme Court’s caseload crisis is a symptom of deeper systemic failures that must be addressed now. Strengthening lower courts, establishing intermediate appellate courts, refining case selection, promoting ADR, and implementing urgent judicial reforms are not just recommendations—they are demands.

I call on the executive and judicial arms of government to stop ignoring these critical issues. Our justice system is at stake, and we refuse to let political manoeuvring and administrative negligence compromise the integrity of our Supreme Court. Stand up, speak out, and demand the immediate reforms our judicial system desperately needs.

By Nsiaba Nana Akwasi Kobi
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