Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on judges and magistrates across the Commonwealth to embrace digital technology to improve access to justice and strengthen judicial systems.
Speaking at the opening of the 19th Triennial Conference of the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association (CMJA) in Accra, Dr. Bawumia said digital innovation has become essential in modern society and should play a central role in the administration of justice.
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Addressing participants under the theme “Access to Justice in a Modern World,” he noted that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how technology enabled institutions and individuals to continue operating through virtual platforms.
He said the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association had also benefited from digital tools by holding its previous conference virtually, allowing members to engage despite travel restrictions.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that digital technology can remove barriers that often delay justice, including situations where key witnesses are outside the country, victims are unable to appear physically in court, or lawyers have conflicting court schedules.
He argued that virtual hearings and other digital solutions can improve efficiency, reduce delays and make justice more accessible.
According to him, failing to adopt available technology would only worsen court congestion and deny many citizens timely access to justice.
Highlighting Ghana’s progress, Dr. Bawumia said the government had begun digitising the country’s justice system even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that Ghana now operates virtual courts, an electronic case management system and the Justice for All programme, which uses digital technology to speed up cases involving remand prisoners.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Judicial Service through the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to further expand the use of technology within the justice sector.
Dr. Bawumia expressed hope that the conference would provide an opportunity for judicial officers from across the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and share best practices on improving access to justice through digital innovation.
The Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association conference brought together Chief Justices, judges, magistrates and other judicial officers from Commonwealth member countries.
