Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has implemented a court shift system in selected courts to enhance efficiency and accessibility in delivering justice nationwide.

The introduction of this shift system, set to commence on March 25, 2024, will operate on a pilot basis. Courts will convene in two sessions: a morning session from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and an afternoon session from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

In a directive issued by Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, the Judicial Secretary, the pilot program will initially encompass 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, alongside 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 decision to implement the shift system is driven by the need to address substantial case backlogs observed during a nationwide assessment of court dockets. Some courts were found to have an overwhelming number of pending cases, with figures exceeding 600 in certain instances.

This shift system aims to streamline court proceedings and alleviate the burden on judicial resources, ultimately facilitating more efficient and accessible justice delivery.