Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has proposed the establishment of specialised courts to deal with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and related financial infractions identified by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), as part of broader judicial reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and access to justice.

The proposal was made during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, at Parliament House on Monday, January 26.

Welcoming the Chief Justice, Speaker Bagbin described the visit as historic, stressing the importance of collaboration between the Judiciary and the Legislature in consolidating Ghana’s democratic governance and strengthening state institutions.

In discussions, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlined key reform priorities, including the creation of dedicated courts to fast-track cases linked to illegal mining and other infractions frequently flagged in reports of the Public Accounts Committee.

He explained that such specialised courts would enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and improve enforcement of accountability measures, particularly in cases with significant environmental and financial implications.

Beyond the proposed courts, the Chief Justice also called for expanded access to justice through the introduction of a shift system in court operations to reduce case backlogs, as well as reforms in legal education to ensure training keeps pace with emerging challenges and new technologies.

To support these reforms, he appealed for practical interventions, including secure office accommodation for the Judiciary, improved security for judicial officers, and expedited clearance to recruit additional staff and technical experts.

The engagement underscored a shared commitment by both leaders to institutional reform and inter-arm cooperation, with an emphasis on strengthening justice delivery and safeguarding public resources.