Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called for the establishment of specialised courts to handle cases related to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He also wants one for financial irregularities highlighted by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), as part of a wider push to strengthen accountability within the justice system.

The proposal was put forward during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, at Parliament House on Monday, where both leaders underscored the importance of collaboration between the Judiciary and the Legislature.

Welcoming the Chief Justice, Speaker Bagbin described the engagement as a significant milestone, emphasising that closer cooperation among the arms of government is essential to deepen democratic governance and reinforce state institutions.

During the discussions, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlined key judicial reform priorities, including the creation of dedicated courts to fast-track prosecutions related to illegal mining and other financial breaches frequently cited in PAC reports.

He noted that such courts would help reduce delays, improve efficiency, and strengthen accountability enforcement, particularly in cases with serious environmental and financial consequences.

He also advocated broader reforms to improve access to justice, proposing the introduction of a shift system in court operations to address case backlogs, alongside reforms in legal education to ensure training remains responsive to emerging challenges and technological developments.

To effectively implement these reforms, the Chief Justice appealed for practical support, including secure office accommodation for the Judiciary, enhanced security for judicial officers, and expedited approval to recruit additional personnel and technical experts.

The engagement reflected a shared commitment to institutional reform and inter-arm cooperation, with a focus on strengthening justice delivery and protecting public resources.