Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe has proposed the introduction of fixed timelines for court cases in Ghana — particularly criminal trials — as part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the country’s justice system.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday as the first of seven nominees being vetted for elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Dzamefe underscored the urgent need for judicial reforms that focus on both infrastructure and human resource development.
“Anybody who wants to maximise productivity must first think of the human resource, because it’s a mistake a lot of people make,” he told the Committee. “First, think of the people who will give you the product.”
Justice Dzamefe acknowledged that some reform initiatives are already in motion, but said more decisive steps must be taken to reduce the backlog of cases and expedite legal proceedings.
“We need more courts so that the job will be spread thin, and it will go faster,” he stated. “After that, we need the working tools outside the courts — we must go with technology. The time of long handwriting is long gone past.”
He advocated strongly for the adoption of modern technological solutions — including artificial intelligence, digital transcription, and remote testimony platforms — to modernise court operations and improve access to justice.
“By the end of the day, once the court is done sitting, the records should be ready. We also need to go virtual, so people can testify online,” he explained.
Crucially, Justice Dzamefe proposed that the judiciary implement strict deadlines for concluding legal proceedings. He recommended a maximum duration of three months for criminal cases and six months for civil cases — a move that could dramatically improve trial timelines and reduce the systemic delays that have plagued the justice system for years.
“I think we must set timelines for cases — criminal cases in three months, and civil for six months,” he suggested.
His remarks come at a time of rising public frustration over prolonged court cases, with many litigants enduring years of legal uncertainty. If adopted, Justice Dzamefe’s recommendations could mark a transformative shift in the delivery of justice in Ghana, restoring public confidence and reinforcing the rule of law.
Justice Dzamefe, a Court of Appeal judge and Ghana’s longest-serving judge, is best known for his role as sole commissioner of the inquiry into Ghana’s participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He is one of seven nominees submitted by President John Dramani Mahama for appointment to the Supreme Court.
