Private Legal Practitioner Bobby Banson has stated that there is nothing wrong with Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo requesting the President to nominate additional justices to the Supreme Court.
Banson’s remarks follow Justice Torkornoo’s justification for her proposal to expand the Supreme Court bench.
In a letter to the President, Justice Torkornoo emphasized the urgent need for more justices, stating, “In view of the realities of the court’s workload and output and the need for the court to appropriately serve the justice needs of the nation.”
She also highlighted the current operational conditions of the Supreme Court of Ghana (SCOG), which operates three days a week in alternating weeks to manage its caseload.
“Two days are used for panel sittings, and one day for a single judge’s sitting. Therefore, the SCOG meets 12 times a month. On any given day, the court handles a minimum of 15 cases, addressing no fewer than 45 matters in a week, or approximately 180 matters in a month,” she clarified.
During a discussion on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, Mr. Banson supported the Chief Justice’s proposal.
He explained that, as Chairperson of the Judicial Service, she was aware of its requirements and had made the request accordingly.
“The Chief Justice is the chairperson of the judicial council. I don’t think that her letter implies the President will immediately announce new justices for the Supreme Court.
“I don’t believe that has ever happened, nor do I think it was her intention. If the Chief Justice, based on the data, believes more justices are needed to perhaps start sittings on Mondays or Fridays to handle urgent matters, then so be it.
“I see nothing wrong with the Chief Justice, who has the constitutional mandate, ensuring efficiency in justice delivery,” he stated.
