Audio By Carbonatix
Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, has explained the rationale behind Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's move to establish special courts, describing the initiative as a principled application of "specialisation" in the justice delivery system — one he likens to the economic concept of division of labour.
Ahmed made the remarks on The Law on Joy News, speaking in the wake of Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's formal establishment of a Specialised High Court Division through a circular signed on February 5, 2026.
"Specialisation is instituted when you want to achieve efficient, speedy, and effective production," Ahmed said. "We take it back to the court. The court is to deliver justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour."
The Judicial Secretary clarified that the new division is not a dismantling of the existing court structure, but a deliberate deepening of specialisation within the High Court. His remarks echo the rationale the Chief Justice has used in outlining his broader judicial reform agenda since being sworn in on November 17, 2025.
Exercising powers conferred under Section 14(3) of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), the Chief Justice issued a circular mandating that specific judges of the Superior Court of Judicature be assigned to the new division to handle matters of critical national interest. The division's mandate is broad, covering corruption and public accountability cases from the Auditor-General's reports, galamsey and environmental crimes under the Minerals and Mining Act, state asset recovery, organised crime, narcotics offences, and cybersecurity cases under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020.
The establishment of the specialised court is seen as a direct response to public outcry over the slow pace of justice in cases involving public funds and the devastating impact of illegal mining.
The Chief Justice has also ordered that the offices of the High Court remain open from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays — a notable departure from traditional operating times intended to help manage increased caseloads without further delays.
Ahmed also grounded his defence of the courts in law, pointing to CI 47, Order One of the Rules of Court, which he said explicitly mandates that the rules exist to achieve efficient and speedy justice.
"That is what the law actually says justice delivery should be," he stated, reinforcing that the reforms are not mere administrative preference but a fulfilment of an existing legal obligation.
The Chief Justice had earlier briefed Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on the judiciary's key achievements and reform plans, with the Vice President reaffirming her support for efforts to improve efficiency and access to justice.
The Judicial Service is also revising the Rules of Court, expected to come into force by March 2026, alongside technological innovations to further enhance justice delivery.
Latest Stories
-
Health Ministry backs conviction of man who assaulted midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic
22 seconds -
Greater Accra REGSEC lists flood-prone areas as GMet forecasts 100–150mm rainfall in June
2 minutes -
National Association of Institutional Suppliers to picket Education Ministry over GH¢50 million Free SHS debt
7 minutes -
Fisheries Minister cracks down on premix fuel overpricing and mismanagement of community funds
9 minutes -
From unsafe sanitation to thriving businesses: How SNV is changing lives in Nandom
12 minutes -
Operationalise Trede Agenda 111 Hospital to ease pressure on KATH – Dr Kingsley Agyemang urges government
13 minutes -
Ghana Water Ltd inaugurates Governing Council for Water Institute
18 minutes -
See the areas that will be affected by ECG’s planned maintenance on Thursday (June 11, 2026)
21 minutes -
2 rescued alive after road crash on Kpeve–Peki highway
24 minutes -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, 11, 2026
48 minutes -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, June 11, 2026
50 minutes -
MobileMoney Fintech calls for united front as new White Paper exposes growing risks
2 hours -
Thousands will follow the Black Stars – Sports Minister sees diaspora power driving Ghana
2 hours -
We may not have the stars, but we have the spirit – Kofi Adams predicts strong Black Stars run
3 hours -
From UN intern to Refugee Chief: Ghana’s Edem Wosornu lands top Global Protection Role
3 hours