Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo has announced that the Judicial Service will resume Court of Appeal sittings nationwide in April 2024. This decision comes after the halt of some Court of Appeal sittings in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing members of the Judicial Press Corps on various issues, Chief Justice Torkonoo outlined the plans for the resumption of Court of Appeal activities. She stated that the Court of Appeal in Kumasi would serve the Ashanti, Bono East and West, and Ahafo regions. Additionally, measures are being implemented to enable virtual hearings at the Kumasi Court of Appeal to better serve the people in Tamale and the northern part of the country.
Chief Justice Torkonoo further explained that cases of appeal from the Western North region would also be handled by the Court of Appeal in Kumasi due to its proximity. Moreover, she announced that the Court of Appeal in the Central and Western regions would be reopened in Sekondi instead of Cape Coast, citing the deteriorated facilities in Cape Coast and the need for new infrastructure.
The decisions regarding the Court of Appeal’s operations were made following extensive engagement with Parliament, the Ghana Bar Association, and other stakeholders in the justice delivery chain.
In addition to the resumption of Court of Appeal sittings, Chief Justice Torkonoo disclosed that the Judicial Service had developed a curriculum for paralegal training. Efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Judicial Training Institute and Ministry of Finance, to deliver training for trainees outside the judiciary.
Furthermore, as part of an ongoing project, the Judicial Service is renovating all washrooms in the Supreme Court Building, with completion at 70%.
Chief Justice Torkonoo concluded by announcing her plans to share her vision for effective justice delivery on April 8, 2024. She will also launch an outreach program aimed at ensuring that justice is served effortlessly.
