Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has reinstated the Court of Appeal in various regions of the country after its suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously, the Court of Appeal operated in locations including Kumasi, Tamale, Ho, Koforidua, and Cape Coast, in addition to Accra, to administer justice across the country.

However, these operations were halted during the pandemic. Now, apart from Accra, the Court of Appeal will resume its sessions in Kumasi, Koforidua, and Sekondi.

Justice Torkornoo, speaking during a meeting with the Judicial Press Corps at the Law Court Complex in Accra, disclosed the preparations made to ensure the resumption of court activities in these locations by the end of the month.

"This decision followed extensive consultations with Parliament, the Bar, and other stakeholders," she noted.

The reopening of the Court of Appeal aligns with the judiciary's commitment to bringing justice closer to the people, according to Justice Torkornoo.

She emphasised that justice is a product of the Ghanaian people and should be easily accessible to all.

The Court of Appeal in Kumasi will serve several regions, including Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Western North.

Additionally, it will conduct virtual court proceedings for the northern regions, with a satellite registry in Tamale.

Due to infrastructure concerns, the Court of Appeal in Cape Coast has been relocated to Sekondi. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Koforidua will cater to the Eastern, Oti, and Volta regions.

In Accra, a new court shift system (CSS) has been introduced on a trial basis. This initiative aims to reduce the backlog of cases and enhance efficiency in court proceedings.

Selected courts will operate morning and afternoon sessions under the CSS, addressing disparities in caseload distribution among judges.

Justice Torkornoo highlighted the significance of the CSS, noting that it ensures judges with fewer cases can handle more disputes, promoting equitable justice delivery.