The Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, has appealed to traditional rulers to partner the Judiciary in decongesting the courts through the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Speaking at the 13th Annual Chief Justice’s Forum on Thursday (18 November) at Koforidua in the Eastern Region, Justice Anin Yeboah said the Judiciary is opened for collaboration from stakeholders in ensuring effective justice delivery.
“Through the E-justice portal, it is possible for litigants and lawyers to file processes and make electronic payments obviating the need to be physically present on the court premises,” he said.
“We have also continuously encouraged litigants to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism proceedings of which are usually held in private … And with this, I pray that our traditional rulers will take up this mantle and assist the Judiciary in decongesting the courts.”
Justice Yeboah emphasised that the use of technology has become even more crucial in dispensing justice in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s forum was on the theme: “Justice for All Under Constitutional Rule: Making Justice Delivery Accessible in Pandemic.”
Chief Justice’s Forum
The annual forum creates the avenue for stakeholders in the administration of justice to deliberate on key issues in the justice sector and how they can work to enhance the efficiency of justice delivery in Ghana.
It also serves as a feedback mechanism for the service, where it gets to know the concerns of the public, in order to strategise to improve its service delivery. It further provides an opportunity for the service to disseminate information to court users and the general public on its operations to engender greater transparency and accountability.
A key feature of the Chief Justice’s Forum over the years has been breakout sessions where stakeholders are put into groups, with each given a sub-theme to deliberate on and give recommendations.
Fred Dzakpata
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