judicial service of ghana annual report 2013 | 2014 · 2018-08-07 · judicial service of ghana 3...

JUDICIAL SERVICE OF GHANA

ANNUAL REPORT2013 | 2014

2 Annual Report 2013/2014Judicial Service of Ghana

MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE LADY CHIEF JUSTICE 4

THE JUDICIAL SERVICE OF GHANA 7

THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL 8

THE COURTS 9

1.1 Supreme Court

1.2 Court of Appeal

1.3 High Court

1.4 Fast Track Court

1.5 Commercial Division

1.6 Circuit Court

1.7 Domestic Violence Court

1.8 District Court

1.9 Juvenile Court

1.10 Motor Court

1.11 Court Administration

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

2.1 Human Resource Department 18

2.2 Finance Department 19

2.3 Audit Department 25

2.4 Works Department 28

2.5 Information Communication Technology Department 30

2.6 Communications Department 30

2.7 Monitoring & Evaluation Department 33

Table of Content


SPECIAL UNITS

3.1 Judicial Training Institute (JTI) 38

3.2 Judicial Reforms and Projects Directorate 39

3.3 Public Complaints & Court Inspectorate Unit 44

3.4 ADR Directorate 46

ASSOCIATION

4.1 Association o Magistrates & Judges (AMJG) 51

LIST OF JUDGES 53

APPENDIX

Appendix 1 Brief Statistics 59

Appendix 2 Statistics of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal 60

Appendix 3 Statistics of the High Courts 62

Appendix 4 Statistics of the Circuit Courts 62

Appendix 2 Statistics of the District Courts 67


Message from the Hon. Lady Chief Justice

INTRODUCTION

The Almighty God has ushered us into yet another Legal Year. It is my singular honour and delight to welcome all members of the Judiciary and Staff of the Judicial Service to another year of hard work and sacrifice in administering justice to all according to law.

THEME

The theme for the 2014 – 2015 Legal Year is ACCESS TO JUSTICE – INTEGRITY IN JUSTICE DELIVERY.

There is a growing national re-awakening to the realisation that our best efforts would come to naught if our individual and collective actions are not underpinned by integrity. I trust that we in the Judiciary and the Judicial Service will re-dedicate ourselves to this ennobling and enduring judicial virtue in our desire to render justice to all those who access the courts.

THE FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

This year marks the beginning of the implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service. One of the essential features of the Strategic Plan is the development of a new Vision for the Judiciary and the Judicial Service, as well as an elaborate Mission Statement which defines our raison d'etre. Our new Vision, Justice Without Barriers, reiterates our commitment to eliminate the impediments that undermine the effective delivery of justice. Our Mission Statement also reinforces our constitutional mandate that, “the Judiciary is an independent arm of State created to resolve legal conflicts according to law, impartially and efficiently to all manner of persons without fear or favour, affection or ill will. We do this by the true and proper interpretation, application and implementation of the laws of Ghana.”

Under the Plan, our new strategic goals among others are to strengthen public trust and confidence in the


Judiciary by deepening understanding of its functions, to consolidate judicial independence, provide adequate infrastructure for justice delivery (security of courts, judges, staff and their families), to increase the application of ICT to improve efficiency and reduce costs, improve administrative capacity and efficient management of the Judiciary's resources, to attract quality staff, strengthen the capacity of its human resource and improve the conditions of service of staff and finally to improve access to the courts through the provision of adequate infrastructure, logistics and financial resources. Our core values remain punctuality, honesty, impartiality, dedication to duty, transparency, self-discipline, efficiency and independent-mindedness.

I N F O R M AT I O N A N D C O M M U N I C AT I O N TECHNOLOGY

We continue to modernise and infuse efficiency into our work through the intervention of ICT. Since January 2014, cash collection activities in the courts at the Head Office and its environs have been successfully automated. This process of automation is to be extended to the courts in Tema and outlying areas, and later to Kumasi and Takoradi respectively.

Also, under the Integrated Pay Roll and Personnel Database ((IPPD) Project, we have provided a real-time electronic platform for the management of the Service's pay roll activities.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Our 42-Courtroom Complex is 82% completed. The expected completion period of September, 2014 has been revised to February, 2015 so that the supply and installation of furniture and all ICT related works can be duly completed to make the facility fully operational for use. We continue to improve the citizens' access to justice through the creation of courts and expansion of existing infrastructure. In March, 2014, we established two special utility weekend courts in Accra to handle cases of electricity and allied matters. We also established three new District Courts at Weija, Teshie/Nungua and Prampram and two Circuit Courts at Amasaman and Ashaiman in June this year. Eight new District Courts are to be established in the Ashanti Region and two in the Volta Region. We intend to continue along this path in the coming years by building more courts.

TRAINING FOR JUDGES AND STAFF

Training and capacity development continue to remain key components of our strategic institutional objectives. Through the kind support of DANIDA, the JTI embarked upon a number of continuing education training programmes for both serving and new Judges, Magistrates and Staff. Other organizations such as the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) the Envi ronmenta l Protect ion Agency (EPA), VODAFONE, the Financial Intelligence Centre and the Land Administration Project (LAP) have helped in this direction.


POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES FOR JUDGES

As we strive to promote excellence and scholarship on the Bench, the Judicial Service continues to seek opportunities for post-graduate studies overseas for our Judges and Magistrates in various law disciplines. This year as in previous years, a number of Judges and Magistrates have proceeded to the US for this purpose. We remain deeply indebted to the Fordham University and St John's University all in New York, George Washington University, Washington DC and Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan for offering scholarships to some of our Judges and Magistrates to pursue their post-graduate degrees. Also, through the kind sponsorship of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), two of our Judges in May 2014 commenced a one-year LLM

Programme in Intellectual Property offered by the Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe in conjunction with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).

CONCLUSION

I thank the Judicial Council, General Legal Council, all Judges, Management and Staff of the Judicial Service for their invaluable support and hard work during the past year and look forward to the same in the coming year.

GEORGINA T. WOOD (MRS.)O.S.G., LLD (honoris causa)


Vision of the Judiciary/Judicial Service of Ghana“JUSTICE WITHOUT BARRIERS”

Mission Statement “The Judiciary is an independent arm of State created to resolve legal conflicts according to law, impartially and efficiently to all persons without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. We do this by the true and proper interpretation, application and implementation of the laws of Ghana.”

Strategic Goals• Strengthen public trust and confidence in the

Judiciary by deepening understanding of its functions;

• Consolidate judicial independence, especially financial independence;

• Provide adequate infrastructure for Justice delivery (security of courts, judges, staff and their families);

• Increase application of ICT to improve efficiency and reduce costs;

• Improve administrative capacity and efficient management of the Judiciary's resources;

• Attract quality staff, strengthen the capacity of its human resource and improve the conditions of service of staff;

• Improve access to the courts through the provision of adequate infrastructure, logistics and financial resources.

Core Values• Independent-Mindedness• Honesty• Efficiency• Self-Discipline• Impartiality • Punctuality• Dedication to duty• Transparency

The Judicial Service of Ghana


The Judicial Council was created under article 153 of the 1992 Constitution. This 17-member body is constituted as follows: (a) The Chief Justice, Chairperson;

(b) The Hon. Attorney General & Minister for Justice;

(c) A Justice of the Supreme Court nominated by Justices of the Supreme Court;

(d) A Justice of the Court of Appeal nominated by Justices of the Court of Appeal;

(e) A Justice of the High Court nominated by Justices

of the High Court; (f) Two (2) representatives of the Ghana Bar

Association, one of whom shall be a person of not less than 12 years standing as a lawyer;

(g) Representative of Chairmen of Regional

Tribunals.

(h) A representative of the Lower Courts; (i) The Judge Advocate-General of the Ghana Armed

Forces;

(j) The Head of the Legal Directorate of the Police Service;

(k) The Editor of the Ghana Law Report. (l) A representative of the Judicial Service

(m) Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) nominated by the Association;

(n) A Chief nominated by the National House of Chiefs; and (o) Four (4) other persons who are not lawyers appointed by the President.

Its functions are mainly advisory. It has the duty of proposing for the consideration of Government any judicial reforms necessary for improvement of the services of the Judiciary.

It serves as a body for the consideration and discussion of matters that impinge on the efficient functioning of the Judiciary, thereby assisting the Hon. Lady Chief Justice in the performance of her duties. For the effective performance of these functions, the Council is permitted by law to establish such committees as it deems fit to which it may refer any matters concerning the Judiciary.

Other advisory functions of the Judicial Council relate to the appointment and removal of judges and other staff of the Judicial Service. The President on the advice of the Judicial Council appoints all Superior Court Judges, except the Chief Justice.

Judicial Council

Annual Report 2013/2014Judicial Service of Ghana 9

1.0 The CourtsThe courts in Ghana are of two main categories: The Superior Courts and the Lower Courts.The Superior Courts are made up of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court.

The Lower Courts as Parliament may by law establish are currently made up of the Circuit Courts and the District Courts which when differently constituted serve as Juvenile Courts and Family Tribunals.

1.1 Supreme CourtThis Court is the final appellate body of the whole court system of the country.

It has the original and exclusive jurisdiction in all matters relating to the enforcement or interpretation of the Constitution and all matters arising as to whether an enactment was made in excess of the powers conferred on Parliament or any other authority or person by law or under the Constitution.

The Court has appellate jurisdiction to the exclusion of the Court of Appeal, and determines matters relating to the conviction of a person for high treason.Appeals from the National House of Chiefs are also heard by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court also has supervisory jurisdiction over all courts in the country.

The Court is to consist of not less than nine (9) Justices

of the Supreme Court. For its work, the Court is duly constituted by five (5) Justices. At the end of the Legal Year, there were 11 Justices of the Supreme Court, excluding the Chief Justice.

1.2 Court of AppealThe Court of Appeal has no original jurisdiction. It serves as the appellate Court for the High Courts and the Circuit Courts, unless otherwise provided by law.

Article 136 of the Constitution states that the Court of Appeal shall consist of the Chief Justice, not less than 10 other Justices of the Superior Court as the Chief Justice may request to sit in the Court of Appeal. Any three (3) Justices, however, duly constitute the Court.

At the end of the Legal Year there were 24 Justices of the Court of Appeal.

1.3 High CourtThe High Court is duly constituted by a single Judge unless he is required to sit with a jury or assessors. Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution, it has original jurisdiction in all matters, civil and criminal. It has appellate jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by the Constitution or any other law.

Currently, it serves as the appellate body for appeals from criminal judgment of the Circuit Courts and all appeals from the District Courts, the Juvenile Courts

The Courts

Annual Report 2013/2014 Judicial Service of Ghana10

and the Family Tribunals. It has supervisory jurisdiction over all Lower Courts in the country. The High Court also has jurisdiction to enforce the Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.

Currently there are 102 Justices of the High Court.

1.4 Fast Track DivisionThe Fast Track Court is a Division of the High Court and operates under an effective case flow management system. It has six judges sitting at a time in Accra. It hears a class of cases approved by the Chief Justice.

1.5 Commercial DivisionThe Commercial Division has been in operation since

thits inauguration on the 4 of March, 2005. The Court operates as a specialised division of the High Court. By the Rules of the Court, it is mandated to deal exclusively with matters of a commerce.al nature, which have been detailed under Order 58 of C.I. 47, (High Court Civil Procedure Rules.) The Court is regulated by the High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

The difference between this court and other existing High Courts is with respect to its jurisdiction, which is limited to business and commercial disputes and the introduction of court related mediation procedures as part of the Dispute Resolution Process.

The Court upon its establishment was also granted semi-autonomous status to enable it to run efficiently and effectively. By the nature of its operation and

mandate, the Court serves as a model for reform in judicial administration and delivery of justice.

The Division is managed by the President, a High Court Judge who acts as the Executive and the judicial head of the Court and supervises the operations of the Division together with an Administrator, a Registrar, an Accountant and other supporting administrative staff. The total staff strength to date is 70 which includes seven judges.

A Users Committee and a Management Committee provide support for the management of the Court.

Other specialised divisions of the High Court are the Land Courts, Economic and Financial Crimes Courts, Human Rights Courts as well as the Industrial and Labour Courts.

1.6 Circuit CourtEach Circuit Court is manned by a Circuit Judge. Its jurisdiction includes civil actions arising under contract or tort or for recovery of all liquidated claims not exceeding GH¢ 10,000.00, all landlord and tenant cases, ownership, possession, occupation and title to land cases.

The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction in applications for Probate and Letters of Administration where the value of the property does not exceed GH¢10, 000.00 and matters involving custody of children.

The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction in all criminal matters other than treason and offences punishable by


death.

Appeals from Circuit Courts in civil cases go to the Court of Appeal and in criminal cases to the High Court.Currently, there are 58 Circuit Court Judges.

1.7 Gender-Based Violence Court The Gender-Based Violence Court, popularly called the Domestic Violence Court has been in existence since March 2009. Its main aim is to resolve domestic violence cases in a speedy manner. The Court deals with matrimonial and adoption cases.

The Court handles criminal cases including defilement, incest, indecent assault, cases under the Domestic Violence Act and cases involving issues related to children.

1.8 District CourtThe District Court makes up the largest number of courts in the country and statistically handles the largest number of cases. It is the policy of the Service that each district in the country should have at least one Court.

Civil jurisdictions of this Court include all personal actions arising under contract or tort for recovery of any liquidated sum where the amount claimed does not exceed GH¢5000.00.

In criminal matters, the Court has jurisdiction to try summarily offences punishable by a fine not

exceeding Five Hundred (500) penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding (2) years or both. There are a total of 155 Magistrates at post. 49 of them are Professional Magistrates and 106 Career Magistrates.

1.9 Juvenile CourtThe Chief Justice has the power to designate a District Court as a Juvenile Court. This court shall be composed of the District Magistrate and two (2) other persons, one (1) of whom shall be a Social Welfare Officer. The Court has power to hear and determine any matter, civil or criminal that involves a person under the age of 18 years.

1.10 Family TribunalThe District Court serves as Family Tribunal to hear and determine actions that arise under the Children's Act 1998 (Act 560).

Its main jurisdiction is in matters concerning parentage, custody, access to and maintenance of children. It also has jurisdiction in cases concerning children in need of special care and protection, in which case, the Tribunal can make care and supervision orders.

The Family Tribunal is constituted by a panel consisting of a Chairman, not less two (2) or more than five (5) other members, including a Social Welfare Officer appointed by the Chief Justice on the recommendation of the Director of Social Welfare.


1.11 Motor CourtsThis is a specialised District Court mandated by the Chief Justice to handle only Motor/Traffic cases.

The Court Administration Department is in charge of the day-to-day administration of the courts. Its mandate includes the following:

Currently the Department is staffed with six (6) officers made up of the Chief Registrar-General and five (5) other officers.

Distribution of Courts in GhanaA study of the distribution of courts indicates that there are 327 courts in Ghana. Please find at page 13 a summary of the distribution.

1.12 COURT ADMINISTRATION

Registrars Summons ExerciseTo reduce the backlog of cases, three (3) Mass Registrars Summons Exercises were held in all the country's courts for the periods:

July, 8-12, 2013November, 11-15, 2013March, 25-29, 2014

Over 2,000 civil cases were disposed of.

GREATER ACCRA REGION

Justice for All ProgrammeThe Justice for All Programme is designed to decongest prison facilities across the country by freeing remand prisoners who have been incarcerated for at least five (5) years and also ensure the speedy disposal of cases.

Some Registrars and other court officials in Accra were selected to assist the courts to make the programme a success.

Please, find on page 15 a report showing the total statistics on the programme held at the

th ndNsawam Prisons on 15 and 22 November, 2013.


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SUPREME COURT 1 1 1

APPEAL COURTS 1 1 1 1 1 5 5

HIGH COURTS

High Court (General) 5 5 19 5 4 7 4 2 2 1 54

Fast Track 6 6

Land Court 9 3 12

Financial Court 2 2

Human Rights 1 1 99

Motions Court 2 2

Industtrial & Labour Court 2 2

Commercial Court 2 2 6 2 4 2 2 20

CIRCUIT COURTS 4 5 11 7 8 14 7 2 2 2 62 62

DISTRICT COURTS

District Court (General) 19 16 19 19 19 22 18 10 6 6 154

Juvenile Court 1 1

Motor Court 1 1

Sanitation Court 2 2

TOTAL COURTS 327

REGIONAL TOTAL 30 29 86 31 34 51 31 17 10 9

Family Court 3 3 161


Weekend CourtsTwo (2) special Utility Weekend (Saturday) Courts

stwere established in Accra on 1 March, 2014 to try utility cases involving the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited.

One of the courts has the jurisdiction of a Circuit Court and the other one, a District Court. The courts are

thlocated at the 28 February Road Court in Accra. This is in addition to the already existing Weekend Courts in Accra which are the SSNIT and Cable Thefts Courts.

Establishment of New CourtsIn a bid to make justice delivery accessible to the people of Ghana, the Hon. Lady Chief Justice gave approval for the establishment of some courts in

COURT NAME OF JUDGENo. OF CASES

No. DISCHARGED

No. GRANTED

BILL

No. ADJOURNED

No. DISMISSED

BAIL CONDITIONS REVIEWED

No. SENTENCED

1 15 7 3 5H/L Justice C. J.Honyenuga (JA)

2 5 2 2 1H/L Justice E. K. Ayebi (JA)

3 11 3 8H/L Justice K. A.

Ofori-Atta

4 10 4 6H/L Justice Abdullah Iddrisu

5 11 7 4H/L Justice Mustapha

Logoh

6 20 12 6 2H/L Justice J. Ajet-Nasam

7 15 2 10 2 1H/L Justice

Ernest Obimpeh

TOTAL 87 30 43 3 8 1 2

certain parts of the country. In the Greater Accra Region, the following new courts (see

ndTable below) started sitting from Monday, 2 June, 2014.


EASTERN REGION

Staff Strength - 547Judges and Magistrates - 33

Performance Management SystemThe region commenced the performance management exercise by training a cross-section of Registry Heads on how to set targets. When fully implemented, the performance management system will facilitate improvement in staff performance.

Establishment of Court of Appeal, KoforiduaA Court of Appeal was inaugurated in Koforidua in October, 2013. The court has jurisdiction over the Eastern and some parts of the Volta Region. The objective is to bring appellate justice closer to the door step of the people thereby reducing the cost of access to justice. The court currently operates from the High

No. DISTRICT/MUNICIPAL TOWN STATUS

1 Ga West AmasamanCircuit Court

Circuit Court

DistrictCourt

DistrictCourt

DistrictCourt

2 AshaimanAshaiman

3 Ningo Prampram Prampram

4 Ledzorkuku Krowor

5 WeijaGa South

Court Complex.

Establishment of New CourtsIn the coming years, the Hon. Lady Chief Justice hopes to work on the establishment of New Courts in the following areas:


Condition of CourtsAll the courts in the region are in good condition with the exception of the Konongo District Court which needs some renovation while the Mankranso District Court structure needs a modern facility.

ASHANTI REGION

The Fomena District Court is still under renovation by the District Assembly. Work is about 60% complete.

Establishment of New CourtsThe Hon. Lady Chief Justice is to establish a cluster of 3 New District Courts in Asokwa in the Kumasi Metropolis.

No. DISTRICT/MUNICIPAL TOWN STATUS

1 Suhum SuhumCircuit Court

DistrictCourt2 Birim North

Teshie /Nungua

AmuanaPraso


Proposed New CourtsThere are plans to establish new courts in the following places.

a. Asokore Mampong Circuit Court is about 80% complete

b. Kwaso and Akropong District Courts are about 55% and 40% complete respectively.


Monitoring and EvaluationThe Monitoring and Evaluation Office has two (2) Officers who educate and supervise proceedings of the Registries.

Regional TourIn the period under review, the Supervising High Court Judge toured the courts in the Region to interact with staff and acquaint himself with problems at the courts. The Regional Administrative Officer, also paid similar visits to all the registries in the Region.


Establishment of New CourtsA new District Court at Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East

WESTERN REGION

CENTRAL REGION

ndMunicipal was inaugurated on 2 June, 2014.


ProjectsOne High Court Judge's official residence was renovated. Some District Assemblies also commenced the construction of Court Houses and residential accommodation for Magistrates.

Establishment of District CourtsFive newly created Districts on different occasions applied for the establishment of District Courts. These are tabulated below:

VOLTA REGION

No. DISTRICT LOCATION OF

THE PROPOSED COURT

1 Akatsi North Ave-Dakpa

2 DzolokpuitaHo West

2 Afadjato South Ve-Golokuati

No. DISTRICT LOCATION OF

THE PROPOSED COURT

1 Akatsi North Ave-Dakpa

2 DzolokpuitaHo West

2 Afadjato South Ve-Golokuati


BRONG AHAFO REGION

NORTHERN REGION

UPPER EAST REGION


Familiarisation VisitThe Head of the Regional Administrative Office visited all the courts in the Region to learn at first hand the challenges of the courts and ways to solve them. Staff were also educated on the Conditions-of-Service.


Establishment of Court of Appeal, TamaleThe Tamale Court of Appeal was inaugurated in October, 2013. The court has jurisdiction over the three regions of the north. The objective is to bring appellate justice closer to the door step of the people thereby reducing the cost of access to justice. The court currently operates from the High Court Complex.


Regional TourThe Supervising High Court Judge and the Regional Administrative Officer toured the Region to among

other things familiarise themselves with their area of jurisdiction, to know at first hand, the challenges confronting the courts in the region and also create a good rapport between the courts and the various Municipal and District Assemblies.


UPPER WEST REGION


2.1 HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

IntroductionThe aim of the Department is to recruit, train, develop and retain the most suitably qualified and competent human resource for the Judicial Service.

The Department consists of the following sections:-• Human Resource Planning /Training and

Development• Welfare and Employee Relations• Supreme Court Library• Judicial Service Clinic

Functions of the Human Resource Department:The major functions of the Human Resource Department include the following:

• Source and select quality staff for the Service and ensure that they are properly oriented on the vision and mission of the Service;

• Design and implement training and development programmes to enhance staff talents and skills;

• Design, implement and monitor adherence to Human Resource policies in the areas of Recruitment, Training and Development, Employee Relations, Rewards Management, Performance Management, Human Resource Information Systems and Administrative

policies and procedures;• Ensure employee motivation, retention and

utilization;• Undertake regular review of Human Resource

policies, administrative systems and procedures to ensure conformity with best practices.

LibraryThe Supreme Court Library serves as the resource centre of the Service where Judges and Magistrates, members of the Bar, Law students and staff of the Judicial Service seek information, make references and research.

Judicial Service Clinics, Accra and KumasiThese two clinics located in Accra and Kumasi are wholly owned by the Service and managed by the Ussher Clinic in Accra and KMA Clinic in Kumasi respectively. The Clinics are also registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Staff strength of the ServiceThe Service presently has a staff strength of 5, 319 out of which 368 are Judges and Magistrates. The remaining 4,951 are administrative staff.

Departmental Reports


Appointments, Promotions, Retirements and DismissalsDuring the year under review, the following appointments were made:

• District Magistrates - 27• Staff - 187

Interdiction based on adverse Audit ReportsDuring the year, one (1) employee was interdicted based on an adverse Audit report.The under-listed are the other forms of separation that occurred in the year under review.

• Termination of Appointment - 13 employees• Vacation of Post - 15 employees• Interdiction - none• Resignation - 6 employees• Deaths - 12 employees

2.2 FINANCE DEPARTMENT

BUDGET PERFORMANCE FOR 2013

INTRODUCTIONThe Budget Unit works in conjunction with all the Departments and Units in the Judicial Service to ensure the proper execution of the annual estimates. In the year under review, the Budget Unit continued to improve upon the budgetary system of the Service in terms of timeliness and accuracy, in its bid to ensure prudent financial management within the Service. For the year 2013, the Service submitted GoG estimates of GH¢148,997,898.92 which was approved by Parliament. The details are as follows:

PERFORMANCE OF 2013 GoG BUDGET FROM JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2013

A B C D E F G

Description Budget GH¢ Approved GH¢

Released GH¢

C-D=E Variance

GH¢

Payments Gh¢

D-F=G Variance

Gh¢

Compensation of Employees 96,309,368.84 96,309,368.84 146,356,830.99 (50,047,462.15) 147,832,424.02 (1,475,593.03)

24,567,463.64 24,567,463.64 8,708,006.37 15,859457.27 8,777,898.92 (69,892.55)Goods and Services

Liabilities 2,680,246.55 2,680,246.55 - - - -

Assets 25,440,819.89 25,440,819.89 1,382,225.97 24,058,593.92 3,124,759.00 (1,742,533.03)

TOTAL 148,997,898.92 148,997,898.92 156,447,063.33 (10,129,410.96) 159,735,081.94 (3,288,018.61)


PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

1. Compensation of Employees The increase in compensation of employees was due to the increase in the basic salaries for the Lower Bench (i.e. Circuit Judges and Magistrates)

The excess payment of GH¢ 1,475,593.03 was financed through 15% Retention of all Non-Tax Revenue (Internally Generated Funds) collected by the Courts.

2. Goods and ServicesThe excess payment of GH¢ 69,892.55 was financed through 15% Retention of all Non-Tax Revenue collected by the service and sale of Used Cars (from Car Loan Account)

3. Assets and LiabilitiesThe excess payments were financed through 15% Retention, Donors and proceeds from the sale of Used Official Cars (Car Loan Account).

The liabilities arose as a result of some assets (Cars) acquired during the year 2012 which were not paid. They were paid in the year 2013 and these payments caused the increase in the amount spent on assets.

CHALLENGESThe release of funds from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for the period delayed as has been the case over the years.

The Budget Unit applied for the release of funds for human capacity development seminars and training activities for staff of the Service. Funds were subsequently released and credited, but were not utilized for the intended purposes due to administrative bottlenecks, resulting in the funds returning to government chest. Among some of the training and human capacity seminars that could not be undertaken were:

• 5-day refresher course for 32 officers in Tamale on Budget Preparation i.e. new classification of Programme Based Budgeting.

• Budgeting and Control Seminar for 3 Staff of the Budget Unit, Accra.

• 2-day Seminar in Tamale on Land Dispute Adjudication for 30 Judges and Magistrates.

• 3-day Training of Trainers Seminar for 15 staff of the Administrative Class in Sunyani.

• 6-day Financial Modelling in Microsoft Excel for 3 staff of Finance and Budget Units in Accra.

• 5-day Project Management Training in Koforidua for 15 Management Staff made up of Directors, Deputy Directors & Regional Registrars.

• 3-day Training in Accra for 15 Regional Monitoring & Evaluation Officers on Progress Report Preparation and Validation.

• Workshop in Kumasi for 20 participants to select Sector Specific Indicators, establish baselines and targets and to produce Monitoring & Evaluation.


required of the Service.2. PAYROLL LINKED TO GIFMIS: The Pay Roll

has now been introduced onto the GIFMIS System. With this new development, the Pay Roll can now be processed faster and more efficiently.

3. ELECTRONIC PAYMENT VOUCHER: The GIFMIS system has now enabled the Judicial Service to process its Payment Vouchers electronically. Entries are made onto the system which then generates the Electronic Payment Voucher. The process is faster than the fo rmer manua l sys tem. These developments have enhanced productivity in the Finance Department.

4. ONLINE PAYSLIP: Staff of the Service are now able to access their monthly Pay Slips online even before the hard copies are sent to the Department.

• Meeting in Accra for stakeholder analyses and assessment of Monitoring & Evaluation needs and conditions.

The request for a vehicle to facilitate the Department's interaction with MDAs such as the Ministry of Finance, National Development Planning Commission, Controller and Accountant General's Department is still yet to receive attention.

New Expenditure Classification. At the beginning of 2013, the Ministry of Finance replaced the expenditure classification being operated upon under the MTEF framework as follows:

GIFMIS UPDATES1. ELECTRONIC PAYMENT: This is made

through the GIFMIS System. Cheques can now be processed electronically instead of manually under this system to pay suppliers, contractors and settle other obligations that are

Budgeted Approved(a) Actual Expenditure item Estimates Budget Releases(b) Variance(a-b)

2013 2013 2013

Compensation of Employees 96,309,368.84 96,309,368.84 146,356,830.99 (50,047,462.15)

Goods & Services 24,567,463.64 24,567,463.64 8,708,006.37 15,859,457.27

Assets 28,121,066.44 28,121,066.44 1,382,225.97 26,738,840.47


FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEDuring the year under review,a total amount of GH¢ 92,925,406.54 was made available to service the courts. The total amount also includes salaries paid by the Controller and Accountant General's Department to the employees of the Judicial Service and SSNIT LOAN to construct the 42-Court Complex.

2.2.3 LOGISTICS UNIT

IntroductionThe Logistics Unit is tasked with the proper storage of all items that the Judicial Service purchases and provision of resources, services and support required by all Staff and Judges in the performance of their duties. The Unit is also charged with the efficient dispatch and issuance of all outbound items and

TOTAL FUNDS (31/12/2012)

Statement of Financial Position As at 31st December,2013

2013 2012

3,337,289.56Non Current Assets Vehicles

Current Assets

Cash in Hand and at bank

Accounts Receivable

Non Current Liabilities

Trust Funds

REPRESENTED BY

Accumulated Fund (1/1/2012)

344,048.45

23,985,380.08

27,666,718.09

11,930,539.37

15,410,534.18

142,705.25

10,309,627.26 5,554,270.61

11,516,973.66 6,065,333.18

21,826,600.92 11,619,603.79

Total Assets

5,031,497.31 2,733,906.43

Current liabilities 808,619.86 1,057,023.96

NET ASSETS 21,826,600.92 11,619,603.79

Net Fund

3,337,289.56


equipment to the various Depots and Regional Storehouses for safe delivery to the various users and also forecasting all the demands and needs of the Service based on the previous year's usage of stock items and other consumables.

The Logistics Unit stores a wide variety of items that are kept in a safe environment to facilitate easy distribution.

A new Deputy Head of Logistics was employed in 2013 to assist in the running of the activities of the Unit.

In April this year, Management decided that the Transport Unit should report to the Logistics Unit in order to streamline and effectively monitor its activities. In this regard, Management employed three (3) Principal Transport Officers to assist in the efficient management of the Service’s fleet of about 500

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

Excess Income Over Expenditure

Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for year 2013

2013 2013

ActualBudgetRevenue

GoG Fund

Non-Tax Revenue (IGF)

Others

TOTAL REVENUE

Expenditure

Compensation of Employees

Goods and Services

Assets

155,062,113.28

1,279,765.65

156,341,878.93

156,447,063.33

2,952,247.66

156,341,878.93

33,526,095.55

96,309,368.84 147,865,774.51

27,474,630.55 9,976,030.47

32,557,879.54 24,773,974.30

156,341,878.93 182,615,779.28

10,309,627.26


vehicles. One of the officers is responsible for the three regions of the North, another for Central and Western Regions while the third will assist the Transport Officer to oversee Greater-Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions.

Building of Additional Depots The Logistics Unit could not establish any new depots as previously envisaged. Our attempts to establish the depots at Cape Coast and Tamale did not materialise because of the general lack of resources confronting the Service.

We believe that our financial situation will improve in 2015 to enable us to establish the two depots. In fact, the Head of Logistics and his Deputy, together with the Deputy Director of Works undertook a trip to Cape Coast and Tamale to upgrade plans on the Cape Coast Depot.

ReceiptsFor the first time in the Service's history, 29 newly appointed Circuit Judges were given new Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Service still retains a fleet of new vehicles awaiting future appointments. The vehicles are Toyota Corolla (19), Toyota Fortuner (2), Toyota Prado (2) and Toyota Hilux (1).

The Service also took delivery of 43 vehicles from the Government of Ghana out of which 28 have since been distributed to 28 newly appointed Magistrates. The Service also received a lot of donor funded items

which were sent to specific courts and offices during the period under review. As has always been the case, DANIDA funded a lot of items that the Service procured. The items include one (1) digital photocopier and also various computer consumables for the Reforms and Project Directorate. Five (5) District Courts namely: Ho, Awutu, Agona-Swedru, Nkawkaw and Kenyasi, were also given four (4) computers, a printer and UPS each for the upgrading of the courts.

The Service also procured certain items which were also funded by the LAP 2 Project. The items include twenty (20) sets of recording and transcribing systems to selected High Courts in the Western, Central, Volta, Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo Regions. They also paid for five (5) computers, two (2) laptops and three (3) printers for the ADR Department. Some air-conditioners were also received for distribution to some courts and offices.

On-going Activities The Logistics Unit has procured new application software to improve the efficiency of its operations within the Central Stores in Accra. The old software was quite cumbersome and not user-friendly. The software will be replicated at our Kumasi Depot and the various Regional Stores nationwide.


2.3 AUDIT DEPARTMENT

The Audit Department is an important and integral part of the Service's control mechanism, providing to Management analyses, appraisals, observations and recommendations concerning the activities it reviews. The Internal Audit Agency Act provides under section 16 (1) that each MDA shall have an Internal Audit Unit or Department that shall constitute a part of the MDA.

As part of its independent appraisal function, the Department examines and evaluates the financial and operational activities of the various Departments of the Service especially Finance, Courts and Registries, Logistics, Library, Procurement, Estate and Development and Transport Departments as well as the Judicial Reforms and Projects Directorate.

The Department is currently headed by a Director with two deputies separately in charge of Audit and Inspectorate duties at the Head office. They report directly to the Chief Justice. The Director also has a supervisory role over the nine (9) Regional Internal Audit Units. It also carries out other special duties including investigations that may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Justice or the Judicial Secretary.

2.3.1 SCOPE OF WORKThis report presents an overview of the activities carried out by the Department during the Legal Year under review. Internal Audit activities covered the following thrust areas:

- Restructuring Programme- Court / Registry Audit- Auditing at the Finance Department,

Head Office. - Regional Accounts and Stores- Review of HFC Bank Collections

System.- Fol lowing-up on var ious Audi t

Reports.- Timely and accurate pre-auditing of

payments.- Verification at Logistics Unit.- Various Special Audit assignments.- Internal Audit Staff Welfare Association

activities- Court Case

2.3.2 AUDIT RESTRUCTURING EXERCISEThis exercise which began in 2012 and was to be extended to the regions could not be fully completed due to financial constraints faced by the Service. Meanwhile, a lot has been achieved in terms of getting the right staffing position and training of staff of the Department [both new and old] at the Head Office and in the regions. The Department at the head office was also provided with three (3) pick-up vehicles and a fax machine to facilitate the movement of Auditors to and from field work and enhance communication with the Regional Offices.


2.3.3 HEAD OFFICE – AUDIT

a) COURT / REGISTRYDuring the year, routine audit assignments at 15 courts within the Greater Accra Region by four (4) different audit teams. Our reports on var ious f ind ings , observa t ions and recommendations were compiled and submitted to the offices of the Chief Justice and Judicial Secretary for necessary attention. Some of the common findings made included the following:

- Delay in updating cash books by some Cashiers, especially High Court, Accra.

- Failure by Registrars and Cashiers to prepare periodic (monthly) bank reconciliation statements.

- Dilapidated court buildings. - Deplorable courtrooms and offices and

defective office equipment.- Differences in collections between

Court Cashier and HFC Bank.

b) PRE-AUDITING OF PAYMENTSTimely pre-auditing of payment vouchers was also undertaken to ensure that only genuine payments were made by the Finance Department.

c) VERICATION OF GOODS RECEIVED INTO STORES

Verification exercises at the Logistics

Department for goods or items purchased into stores were also carried out on a timely basis during the course of the year under review.

d) FINANCE- HEAD OFFICESome routine audit assignments were carried out on the following accounts and units in the Finance Department and although not all were completed due to some unforeseen circumstances, reports [interim and final] were compiled and submitted to the office of the Chief Justice for attention and necessary action.

- Subvention account- Retention account- Non-tax Revenue Unit- Car Loan, Salary Advance and Sale

of Used Vehicles Account- Staff Salary Payroll Unit

e) COURT CASETwo cases involving two former Eastern Regional Accountants at the Fast Track Division of the High Court is on-going. The Director and Deputy Director of Inspectorate were often in court to give evidence. The total amount involved in the case for which the two Accountants are being tried is GH¢263,562.87.

f) R E V I E W O F H F C B A N K OPERATIONS

The review exercise on HFC Bank's operations continued in earnest with the aim of ensuring


that all court collections are fully accounted for and satisfactorily applied by the bank in accordance with laid down agreement. A number of courts were involved in this exercise. Reports on our findings, observations and some recommendations were submitted for necessary action. The following are some of our findings:

- Differences detected between therecords of the Court Cashiers and that of the HFC Bank in terms of cash collections.

- Absence of bank statements to allow for preparation of monthly bank reconciliation statements.

- Inability to trace certain transfers of revenue and deposit collections to designated accounts at Bank of Ghana.

- Failure by Bank to comply with the 48-hour transfer rule on revenue collections.

- Failure to award credit interest to some of the accounts in spite of huge credit balances which are outstanding.

- P a y m e n t o f s o m e J u d g m e n t creditors from wrong account.

- Shortages recorded by HFC Bank Cashiers.

- Agreement on Deposit accounts with HFC Bank.

- Delay in transfers by NIB and HFC Banks.

2.3.4 INSPECTORATE DUTIESDuring the period under review, inspectorate duties were concentrated in some few thrust areas as listed below due to financial constraints. Various findings were made and reports forwarded to the office of the Chief Justice for necessary attention.

- High Courts, Cape Coast and Swedru

- Volta region- District Court, Anyinam- Ashanti, Brong Ahafo region- Judicial Training Institute- Reconciliation of Court Collections by

HFC Bank

2.3.5 REGIONAL AUDIT OFFICESDuring the year under review, a total of 207 reports were received from the regional offices in respect of audit assignments carried out at various courts, regional accounts offices and stores.

These reports were referred to the office of the Chief Justice and later Audit Report Implementation Committee (ARIC) and appropriate responses sent from the office of the Judicial Secretary to all officers required to respond to sections of the reports. We continue to do follow-ups to ensure that all outstanding adverse findings have been given the needed attention.


2.4 WORKS DEPARTMENT

IntroductionThe Works Department exercises responsibility for the overall management of the property portfolio of the Judicial Service, to ensure that it is maintained well to serve useful life span, and to provide a conducive work environment for Judges' and Staff in the discharge of their constitutionally mandated responsibility of delivering justice to the citizenry.

The management of properties involves providing technical support for new developments from conception through to completion of the project, facilities management, undertaking renovations and refurbishments, maintenance and repair, furnishing and other aspects of property management that may be assigned by senior management as and when the need arises.

AchievementsThe achievements of the Department for the year under review are outlined below.

a. The Law Courts Complex

The Department continues to provide technical support for the construction of the 42-Courtroom Complex.

The Law Courts Complex is 82% completed. The project commenced in October, 2011 and was expected to be completed by September, 2014. However, the expected completion date has been

revised to February, 2015 by which time the supply and installation of furniture and all ICT related works will have been be duly completed to make the facility fully operational for use.

b. Construction of Bungalows for Judges in Accra and Kumasi

In 2011, through the visionary leadership of the Hon. Lady Chief Justice, the Department embarked on a programme to redevelop some of the old bungalow sites into modern residential facilities for occupation by Judges. This is a novelty in the history of the Judicial Service. This programme was designed to address the residential accommodation deficit, resulting from supply and demand factors.

The project consists of the construction of six (6) 2-storey residential facilities at Ridge for Superior Court Judges, two (2) 5-storey block of Executive Flats for High Court Judges (10 Executive Flats in all) at Roman Ridge-Accra, and four (4) two-storey bungalows in Kumasi, for Justices of the Court of Appeal sitting at the Court of Appeal Complex.

In October 2013, three (3) out of the six (6) unit 2-storey bungalows situated at East Ridge, Accra were completed and duly allocated to three (3) Justices of the Court of Appeal.

It must be noted however, that since October 2013, the Ministry of Finance has not released funds to contractors working on the project to enable us to complete the remaining three (3) bungalows at Ridge,


the 10 Executive Flats at Roman Ridge and the four (4) bungalows for Court of Appeal Justices in Kumasi.

Work on the project has therefore come to a standstill as the contractors have abandoned the sites. The Department, however, is working closely with Senior Management to resolve the funding issue to enable us complete this project and boost our housing stock.

c. The Department in collaboration with the Procurement Unit is to enter into a Framework Agreement for the supply of Air-Conditioners and household items. This move is aimed at reducing the delay between the time an item is requested and when it is actually supplied to beneficiaries.

d. The Department provided Technical Support for the successful completion of DANIDA contract works at Obuasi, Assin Fosu, Winneba, Agona Swedru, Asante Mampong and Berekum.

e. Maintenance 1. The Department successfully tarred the

grounds of the Head Office compound and that of the 28th February Road Courts to improve driving and parking surfaces.

2. An additional office for the Human Resource Department was successfully created out of the space previously occupied by the Library Reading Room. This office is able to accommodate 12 members of Staff.

3. The Department successfully renovated 10 residential bungalows across the country.

Proposed Infrastructure ProjectsThe under-listed projects have been proposed to improve and augment the current infrastructure base. These projects have been designed to ensure the efficiency of the justice delivery system.

1. Judicial Training InstituteThe Service, in conjunction with the Architects Registration Council has successfully organized an architectural design competition to select the best design for this scheme. The first two architectural firms out of the lot are scheduled to make a design presentation to the Judicial Council in September 2014 to settle on the final scheme to be adopted.

We expect to complete this process by the end of 2014.

2. Purpose -bu i l t Res idence fo r the Chief Justice

A Consultant has been selected through due process to carry out pre-contract works for this project.

3. Proposed Court of Appeal Complex,Cape Coast

The Ministry of Finance has issued a Commencement Warrant for pre-contract works to begin. A contract has since been signed with Messrs Plan Architects, Consultants for the project for pre-contract works to commence.

4. Other Proposed ProjectsThe Service is presently seeking funding for the construction of the following projects namely:


i. Family Justice Court Complex to be situated at East Ridge, Accra.

ii. Tema Court Complex

Challengesa. The main challenge of the Department continues to be delays in the release of funds for GOG projects resulting in extended project life spans and project cost overrun.b. Delays in the release of funds for maintenance works have continued to affect our timely response to requests from Judges' and Staff.However, the Department is working closely with Senior Management and the Finance Department to overcome these difficulties through outsourcing of the specialised maintenance works.

IntroductionThe ICT Department during the year under review continued to perform its functions directed at ensuring that the courts and office automation agenda are pursued vigorously. To this end, the following new activities were carried out.

HFC/JS Cash Collection Computerisation ProjectCourts in the Head Office and its environs have since January 2014 been migrated onto an automated platform on a pilot basis. This platform has the primary objective of shifting the cash collection activities from a predominantly manual format to a fully automated one, thus providing the Service with an efficient cash

2.5 ICT DEPARTMENT

collection system. With the successful implementation of this pilot project, attention has moved to the courts in Tema and outlying areas, to be followed later by Kumasi and Takoradi.

Integrated Payroll And Personnel Database Project (IPPD Project)The Department was actively involved in the setting up of the Secretariat for the IPPD project. The support comprised – equipping the Secretariat, provision of internet services, technical training and on-going technical assistance. This project is intended to provide a real-time electronic platform for the management of the Service's payroll activities.

The Law Court ComplexThe Department was a major player in the design of all ICT related services and products for the newly constructed Law Court complex. All pre-tender activities have been concluded.

The Communications Department exists to satisfy the growing demand for effective and efficient communication between the Judicial Service and its publics.

The objective of the Department is to act as the interface between the Service and its publics and also liaise with Management and Staff to ensure the effective and timely dissemination of information.

2.6 COMMUNCATIONS DEPARTMENT


UNITSThe Communications Department comprises the following units:

• Public Relations/ Affairs• Protocol • Publications• Audio Visual• Catering

Public Engagement/EducationIn the year under review, the Department applied its knowledge and skills to create a favourable public image for the Service. It was responsible for the production of press releases and statements explaining the Service's position on key issues that came up in the course of the Judiciary's work in the year under review. It also sought opportunities in both the electronic and print media for greater engagement between the Service and the general public. The Department was instrumental in securing a slot on the Governance Channel on Ghana Television for the Service to educate the public on the work of the Judiciary including ongoing reforms by the Service to strengthen the administration of justice. Resource persons were drawn from the Judiciary, the Bar and Management.

Publications The Department was very well represented on the Editorial Committee which is tasked with the responsibility of producing the Service's publications such as the Annual Report, Calendars, Diaries and Christmas Cards. In December 2013, the maiden

edition of the Service's newsletter, The Judicial Digest was produced and successfully launched. At the time of writing this report, the compilation of the second edition was nearing completion.

Protocol The Department per usual made the necessary arrangements for the official travel of Judges and Staff. We remain indebted to the Passport Office which processes passport applications of Judges and staff, sometimes at short notice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration which provided protocol assistance to our Judges through our various Missions and the Foreign Missions in Ghana for the numerous courtesies they accorded our Judges in facilitating their visa applications.

EVENTSDuring the year under review, the Communications Department in collaboration with Reforms and Projects Directorate organized the following programmes and activities:

• The Annual Chief Justice's Mentoring thProgramme: The 6 Annual Chief Justice's

Mentoring Programme was held on Thursday th13 June, 2013 at the Ghana School of Law

under the theme: “The Role of the Legal Profession in Nation Building”.

The event brought together 102 students from nine (9) second-cycle institutions in Ghana


who were exposed to the legal profession and the Judiciary in the hope that they would consider future careers on the Bench and the Bar.

th thThe 7 edition of this event was also held on 12 June, 2014 at the Ghana School of Law and under the theme: “Service in Integrity to Ghana: The Role of the Youth”. 107 students from 10 second-cycle institutions in Ghana participated in the programme.

• 7 Annual Chief Justice's Forum: The event thwas held on Thursday, 12 December 2013 at

the Novotel Hotel, Accra under the theme: “Expeditious Justice Delivery: The Role of Written Witness Statements”. It was a unique opportunity for participants to discuss the draft amendment rules on the Written Witness Statement submitted by the Rules of Court Commi t tee w i th a v iew to mak ing recommendations for further consideration by the Committee.

Participants included Judges of the Superior Courts of Judicature and the Lower Courts as well as District Magistrates, the Bar, academia and representatives of the Judicial Service and our Development Partners.

• Swearing in Ceremonies: The Department planned and organized swearing-in

th

ceremonies for Judges and Magistrates. Additionally, the team collaborated with the Ghana School of Law to organize the 'Call' and 'Mini Call' to the Bar of newly enrolled lawyers.

• - The Department in conjunction with the Legal Year Planning Committee worked tremendously to ensure a

thsuccessful organization of the 56 Legal Year Celebration in October 2013.

• Staff Party-The Department worked with the Committee set up to oversee the End-of-Year Staff Party to successfully organize the event at which some extant and retiring staff were honoured for their hard work and meritorious service.

Legal Year Programme


2.7 M O N I T O R I N G A N D E VA L U AT I O NDEPARTMENT

IntroductionThe Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Department has the mandate to monitor performance and evaluate the impact of programmes/projects and activities of the Judicial Service. The Department is made up of the Statistics, Research, Archives Units and Regional Offices.

In the 2013/14 Legal Year, the Department undertook a number of activities to assess the performance of some key areas in the Service. The notable ones are outlined below:

Caseload StatisticsThe Statistics Unit during the period under review collected, collated and analysed all the cases registered in the nation's courts in order to produce statistics for the 2013/2014 Annual Report of the Service. The data was categorised into cases pending at the beginning of the year, cases filed during the year, cases disposed off during the year and cases pending at the end of the year. The Registrars of the various courts compiled the information and submitted them to the Department for analyses and dissemination. The analysed data is captured in the Annual Report.

Submitted Judgment and RulingsSubmitted judgments and rulings by Judges and Magistrates for assessment were treated in the

following ways:(i) Quantitative Analysis (ii) Qualitative Assessment.

(I) Quantitative Analysis of Judgments/RulingsThe quantitative analysis was done for the purpose of measuring performance. The results provided the total number of judgments/rulings submitted together with the average score per Judge/Magistrate, which were then submitted to Management for decision-making.

(ii) Qualitative Assessment This assessment was done by the Judges' Assessment Committee to evaluate the quality of judgments and rulings from the courts. The results were also submitted to Management for decision-making.

Male/Female Judges RatiosIn addition, the Department collected data on the number of Judges/Magistrates to establish Male-Female Judge/Magistrate Ratio for the country within the period under review. The data covered three consecutive years namely 2011, 2012 and 2013 Legal Years as indicated in table 1.


2013 2012 2011

Category of Judges Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

Supreme Court 8 5 13 7 5 12 9 5 14

Appeal Court 15 9 24 19 3 22 19 4 23

High Court 76 26 102 74 19 93 79 16 95

Circuit Court 35 14 49 44 13 57 41 18 59

District Magistrate (P) 21 10 31 17 15 32 17 13 30

District Magistrate (C)

80 33 113 91 25 116 87 24 111

Total 238 96 334 252 80 332 252 80 332

Percentage Composition (%)

71 29 100 76 24 100 76 24 100

Table 1: Male-Female Judge Composition of Ghana Judiciary

The Male/Female Judge composition shows that in 2011, male Judges constituted 76 percent of the Judiciary as against 24 percent for female Judges, which was again repeated in 2012. The composition however changed slightly in 2013. In 2013, the percentage for male Judges dropped marginally from 76 percent to 71 percent whilst that for female Judges increased to 29 percent.

List of CourtsDuring the period under review, the Department compiled the list of courts into a booklet.

The list indicates the names of Courts, the type of

Courts and their locations in the country. It provides the Regional composition of Courts and the types of Courts as seen in Table 2.


COURTS

WE

ST

ER

N R

EG

ION

CE

NT

RA

L R

EG

ION

AS

HA

NT

I R

EG

ION

EA

ST

ER

N R

EG

ION

VO

LTA

RE

GIO

N

BR

ON

G A

HA

FO

R

EG

ION

GR

EA

TE

R A

CC

RA

R

EG

ION

NO

RT

HE

RN

RE

GIO

N

UP

PE

R E

AS

T

RE

GIO

N

UP

PE

R W

ES

T

RE

GIO

N

TO

TAL

OF

IND

IVID

UA

L

CO

UR

T T

YP

E

TO

TAL

OF

N

OR

MA

L C

OU

RT

S

SUPREME COURT 1 1 1

APPEAL COURTS 1 1 1 1 1 5 5

HIGH COURTS

High Court (General) 5 5 19 5 4 7 4 2 2 1 54

Fast Track 6 6

Land Court 9 3 12

Financial Court 2 2

Human Rights 1 1 99

Motions Court 2 2

Industtrial & Labour Court 2 2

Commercial Court 2 2 6 2 4 2 2 20

CIRCUIT COURTS 4 5 14 7 8 14 7 2 2 2 65 65

DISTRICT COURTS

District Court (General) 19 17 22 19 19 22 18 10 6 5 157

Juvenile Court 1 1

Motor Court 1 1

Sanitation Court 2 2

TOTAL COURTS 334

Family Court 3 3 161


Conduct of Baseline Survey on Court AutomationIn March 2014, the Department conducted a baseline survey on Court Automation, in order to provide relevant information on the operation of these courts in Ghana. The survey started with the training of the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officers to undertake data collection on Court Automation in the country. The data was collected on the performance of both the automated and non-automated Courts. The Department is currently analyzing the data and will soon release the results.

Land Court DataThe M&E Department conducted a survey to determine the status of Land Cases at the six Land Courts under the LAP-2 Project. As of March 2014, the analysis shows that 1187 land cases were registered with the Courts out of which 849 representing 71.5% were Family lands, 262 cases representing 22.1 % were Investment Lands, 52 cases representing 4.5% were Stool Lands while 23 cases representing 1.9% were not identified under any of the categories above.

Furthermore, considering the status of cases registered with the courts, the statistics show that majority of the cases were pending while few cases were disposed off as shown in Table 3 below.

Judge-Population RatioThe Department also collected data on the Ghanaian population which was used for the computation of the Judge-Population Ratio of Ghana. The data was compared with data from other jurisdictions such as

America, Canada, England, Australia and India. The data is shown in Table 3 below. It indicates the name of the country and the number of Judges per a million population as in Table 4.

Inter-Agency Technical Committee of Civil RegistrationThe Department is currently representing the Judicial Service on the Inter-Agency Technical Committee of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Improvement in Ghana, which is managed by the Ghana Statistical Service. This is an integrated information system that generates primarily legal, administrative and statistical information that benefits individuals, households, communities, government institutions and non-governmental, regional and international organizations engaged in various economic and other human development endeavours.

Regional M&E OfficesThe Regional M&E Offices were supplied with desktop

Table 3. Current Status Of Land Cases

Current Status No. of Cases Percent

Only File 4 0.3

Pending 975 82.1

Sine Die 53 4.5

Part-Heard 95 8.0

Disposed Off 53 4.5

Others 7 0.6

Total 1187 100.0


Ghana

India

Australia

England

Canada

USA

1

2

3

4

5

6

13

13

41

51

75

107

REFERENCES :1 . Journa l o f Law, Po l icy and Globa l iza t ion www. i i s te .org2. Ghana Sta t is t i ca l Serv ice3. Jud ic ia l Serv ice Annua l Repor ts (2010-2013)

JUDGE-POPULATION RATIOS OF GHANA AND SOME SELECTED ADVANCED COUNTRIES

No. Country No. of Judges per million population

From 2010 to 2013, the number of Judges per a million population was: - 13 Judges per million of the Ghanaian population

computers and printers during the period under review.

Archives UnitThe Archive Unit was established formally in 2011for the permanent preservation of both administrative and court records of enduring value to ensure that records are properly managed according to best standards and made readily accessible to the public.

The Unit ensures that records in active use are managed by Record Offices. When records are transferred from Records Offices to the Records Centres (Docket Rooms), they are managed by Docket clerks. Staff of the Unit ensure records which

are received from various offices and docket rooms are processed according to archival standards, physically housed and protected and made available for public use.

Since most of the records in the Judicial Service are paper-based, the records have been placed in boxes in order to protect them from the usual causes of deterioration: water damage, light damage, pests and dirt. The boxes are of sufficient quality and strength to withstand many years of use and also conform to archival standards.


3.1 JUDICIAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (JTI)

INTRODUCTIONThe role of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) is to promote effective judicial training for Judges, Magistrates, Court Staff and Administrative Staff. The JTI is also involved in the training of other stakeholders whose activities are premised on the justice delivery system.

Training ActivitiesThe JTI in the period under review developed and delivered a total of 28 programmes. The breakdown is as follows: 18 developed for Judges and Magistrates, seven (7) for Court and Administrative Staff and three (3) for other stakeholders. The programmes executed by both Accra and Kumasi offices were:

A. Training Programmes for the Judiciary 1. Training on Environmental Issues in

Ghana for all Magistrates, Circuit Court Judges and selected Justices of the Superior Courts.

2. Training on Swiss-Ghana Intellectual Property (SGIP) Right – Trainer of Trainers on Intellectual Property forJustices of the Superior Courts.

3. Induction Course for newly appointedMagistrates and Circuit Court Judges.

4. Training on International Tax and Transfer Pricing for selected Justices of the Superior

Court in Accra.5. Mari t ime Law Seminar for selected

Superior Court Justices in Ghana.6. Training on Financial Intelligence for High

Court Judges.7. Sensitization seminar on Immigration

Amendment Law for Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates.

8. Training on New Road Traffic Regulation for Magistrates and other stakeholders in Ashanti Region.

9. Workshop on SSNIT cases for selected Judges and Magistrates.

10. Training on Case Management, Human Rights and Law of Evidence for High Court Judges in Central, Western and Greater Accra Regions.

11. Training on Case Management and Law of Evidence for Magistrates in Greater Accra.

12. Seminar on special Saturday prosecution on cable theft for Circuit Court Judges in Ashanti Region.

13. Training on the prosecution of ECGcases for selected courts in Accra and Kumasi.

14. Narcotic Training programme for Justices of the Superior Courts.

15. Lecture by Dr. Eric Lisam from the USEmbassy for selected Justices of the HighCourt.

16. Training on Intellectual Property for selected

Special Units


High Court Justices and Circuit Court Judges.17. Sens i t i za t ion p rogramme on Cour t

Connected ADR for Judges of the Land Court.18. Skill-based Court Connected ADR Training for

newly recruited Mediators.

B. Training Programmes for Staff 1. Induction Course for newly appointed

Cashiers.2. Induction Course for newly appointed

Accountants.3. Orientation Course for newly appointed

Regional Administrative Officers.4. ICT Training for Court Recorders in the Land

and High Courts.5. Orientation Course for newly recruited

Staff.6. Moot Court programme for Court Recorders in

Accra.7. Training of Regional Monitoring and

Evaluation Officers on DANIDA Baseline Survey (Court Automated)

C. Tr a i n i n g P r o g r a m m e s f o r O t h e r Stakeholders

The JTI in collaboration with other stakeholders organized the following programmes:

1. Training on Court Connected ADR for ADR Graduate Students, University of Ghana.

2. Training for Paralegals of National Petroleum Authority.

3. Sensitization programme on Court Connected

ADR for selected Lawyers.PublicationsThe JTI in collaboration with the British Council has developed a draft document on Punishment and Sentencing Guidelines for the Judiciary.

Donor SupportThe Institute has been greatly supported by local organizations namely: Ghana Shippers Authority, EPA, VODAFONE, NPA, Financial Intelligence Centre, Ministry of Trade and Industry, ECG, NRSC, SSNIT and Land Administration Project (LAP), in the area of development and delivery of training programmes for both members of the judiciary and staff of the Judicial Service.

3.2 JUDICIAL REFORMS AND PROJECTS DIRECTORATE

3.2.1 INTRODUCTIONThe Judicial Reforms and Projects Directorate of the Judicial Service of Ghana in the 2013/2014 Legal Year collaborated with the under-listed Development Partners to implement projects and programmes aimed at improving access to justice and justice delivery:

1. The Land Administration Project Phase II (LAP II) under World Bank funding

2. The Royal Danish Embassy (DANIDA)3. The French Embassy4. United Nations Children Education Fund

(UNICEF)5. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)


3.2.2 THE LAND ADMINISTRATION PROJECT PHASE II (LAP II)

The Judicial Service implemented its activities under Component 1 of the second phase of the Ghana Land Administration Project. The programme is aimed at improving land administration systems in Ghana.

In the year under review, the following were implemented under the project:

a. Mediation at the Land CourtsThe Service commenced mediation at the Land

thCourts on 10 March 2014. Mediators who were trained the previous year were attached to the Courts to mediate simple land cases as referred by Judges of the Land Courts. The Court Connected ADR augments the out-of-court settlements which are normally granted upon the consent of litigating parties. Agreements reached by parties to the case are entered as consent judgments of the courts.

b. Sensitization Programmes on ADRThe commencement of ADR at the Land Courts was preceded by an engagement of the Land Court Staff to sensitize them to ADR. 42 Staff comprising 28 females and 14 males were sensitized and two (2) Members of Staff were chosen as ADR Focal Persons to liaise between the mediators and the National ADR Secretariat.

Further, Judges of the Land Courts were also engaged after a needs assessment was conducted. The

objective of this engagement was to encourage them to be part of the introduction of ADR activities at the Land Courts.

Finally, 25 executives of the Ghana Bar Association were also engaged to determine the modalities for the implementation of ADR at the Land Courts in Accra.

c. Refurbishment of three (3) High Courts to expand the Land Courts to the Regions

In the year under review, the Service engaged the services of Messrs Linnesons Consult Ltd. to conduct physical and technical needs assessment of three selected High Courts in Sekondi, Kumasi and Tamale selected for refurbishment and use as Land Courts.

The Consultant completed his assessment and it is expected that the courts will be refurbished by year ending 2014.

d. Incorporation of Written Witness Statement in Court Procedure Rules

The Judicial Service held a validation workshop on the incorporation of Written Witness Statement into Court Adjudication Practices in December 2013. Subsequently, a team of 10 members comprising four (4) Judges, one (1) Court Administrator and five (5) lawyers were sponsored by the LAP and the United States Embassy for a one-week study tour of the American judicial system in order that Ghana could adopt best practices towards the introduction of this new court practice rules.


e. Capacity buildingThe Service was offered two positions for post-graduate training under the LAP II project as part of capacity building initiatives for Implementing Agencies to pursue long term development programmes. The Hon. Lady Chief Justice approved the nomination of a High Court Judge and the Ag. Deputy Director of Projects to pursue the post-graduate training.

3.2.3 THE ROYAL DANISH EMBASSY (DANIDA)The Danish Government continued to provide funding to the Judicial Service of Ghana under Phase II of the Good Governance and Human Rights Programme which has the objective to “Enhance Access to Justice through increased effectiveness of the Judiciary”. This 5- year programme commenced in

st2009 and ended officially on 31 December 2013.

In the year under review, the Service also collaborated with the Royal Danish Embassy to develop the Rights to Services and Good Governance Programme. This programme is going to run for five (5) years ending December 2017/2018. The Rights to Services programme is dubbed an exit programme which marks the end of a (25) year collaboration and support from the Danish Government in building structures of the Service in order to improve the administration of justice in the country.

Under this partnership, the Judicial Service achieved the following in the 2013/2014 Legal Year:

3.2.4 Adopt ion and Commencement of Implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Judicial Service

In the period under review, the Judicial Council adopted the final report of the Strategic Plan and approved it for implementation. A Strategic Plan Implementation Committee was established to oversee its implementation in the 2013/2014 Legal Year.

Subsequently, the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee commenced discussions with all the Departments within the Service that have developed and submitted Annual Work Plans (AWPs) based on the five-year Strategic Plan and implementation commenced at Management and the Directorates level. 2000 copies of the five-year Strategic Plan document have also been printed and preparations are underway for dissemination to all stakeholders in ensuring that the objectives of the Plan are achieved.

3.2.5 Capacity BuildingThe Ag. Director of Reforms & Projects participated in a training programme in Project and Programme Management at RIPA International, London, from the

th th17 June to 28 June, 2013. This training programme was to equip the Director of the Department with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively implement activities proposed with funding support from both Development Partners and the Government of Ghana.


a. Administrative and logistical support for ADR Secretariat (including purchase of desktop computers for regional offices)

In order to enhance the operations of the National ADR Directorate, IT equipment was procured to assist them. Thus, five (5) desktop computers and two (2) sets of laptops and accessories were procured.

b. Development of Docu-drama The docu-drama is aimed at intensifying the Service's public engagement on the Court Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) through the audio-visual media. The objective is to make available, information on the CCADR to the public especially the grassroots who comprise majority of the stakeholders identified to be beneficiaries of the intervention.

The production from the Consultant has been previewed and it is expected that this documentary will be used for its intended purpose in the next legal year.

3.2.6 Legal Awareness and Public Engagement:

a. The Annual Chief Justice's Mentoring Programme for 2013 and 2014

2013thThe 6 Annual Chief Justice's Mentoring Programme

thwas held on Thursday 13 June, 2013 at the Ghana Law School under the theme: “The Role of the Legal

Profession in Nation Building”.A total of 102 students including their teachers from nine (9) second cycle institutions in the country and some foreign students, attended the Programme. Participating Second Cycle Institutions were: Ghana College(Tamale), Tamale Secondary School and Tamale Girl's Senior High School from the Northern Region, Akropong School for the Blind, Eastern Region, Mfantsipim School and T. I. Ahmadiyya from the Central Region, Osu Salem Senior High School, West African Secondary School and Kimbu Senior High School from the Greater Accra Region.

2014th thOn the 12 of June 2014, the 7 Annual Chief Justice

Mentoring Programme came off at the Ghana School of Law under the theme: “Service in Integrity to Ghana: The Role of the Youth”.

The programme was attended by 107 students and teachers from 10 Second Cycle Intuitions across the country and some foreign students. The programme was graced by Judges of the Superior Courts, Lawyers, Representatives of Development Partners, distinguished Individuals and members of the Media.

The participating schools were: Sunyani Senior High School, Notre Dame Senior High School, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Serwaa Kesse Senior High School, Akropong School for the Blind, Holy Child Senior High School, Adisadel College, and Kwegyir Aggrey Senior High School, Accra Wesley Girls High School and Armed Forces Senior High Technical.


This year, the significance of the Mentoring Programme came to light when one of the participants of the maiden edition of the programme was invited to share his testimony on the impact the programme has had on him. The students and the guests were delighted to be witnesses to his success story.

b. The Annual Lady Chief Justice's ForumthThe 7 Annual Chief Justice's Forum was held on

thThursday, 12 December 2013 at the Novotel Hotel, Accra under the theme: “Expeditious Justice Delivery: The Role of Written Witness Statements”. The forum was used to discuss the draft amendment rules on the Written Witness Statement submitted by the Rules of Court Committee with a view to making recommendations for further consideration by the Committee.

Participants were drawn from Judges of the Superior Courts of Judicature and the Lower Courts as well as District Magistrates, the Bar, academia and representatives of the Judicial Service and our Development Partners.

c. FRENCH EMBASSYIn the year under review, the Judicial Service commenced collaborations with the French Embassy in Ghana for a project aimed at supporting the fight against trafficking in human beings. The project is being undertaken in some selected countries along the Gulf of Guinea and includes Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroun.

The specific intervention from the French Embassy is geared towards strengthening the institutional capacity of key players involved in the fight against human trafficking in these identified countries.

The Service under this collaboration will therefore develop a Training Curriculum for the Judicial Training Institute and conduct training for 50 Judges to improve their capacity in adjudicating human trafficking offences.

d. UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN EDUCATION FUND (UNICEF)

In the 2013/2014 Legal Year, the Service commenced collaborations with the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) to help improve Juvenile Justice Delivery in Ghana. In the year under review, the Service participated in stakeholder meetings aimed at collecting baseline data on juvenile justice and the development of a child policy for Ghana.

Under the collaboration, the Service will refurbish and automate about five (5) selected Juvenile Courts, develop and print practice guidelines on the handling of juvenile cases, train Magistrates, and undertake studies into juvenile justice delivery in Ghana.

e. UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)

In the year under review, the Service commenced discussions with the UNFPA towards interventions introduced by the Hon. Lady Chief Justice to support


position against Judges, Magistrates and Staff.

• To serve as the forum to bring to the attention of Management all other untoward practices occurring within the Service.

• To provide a forum for the general public to raise and discuss matters arising out of their dealings with the court system and the Judicial Service as a whole.

• To conduct on-the-spot inspection of all court houses in the country for the purposes of verifying the performances of Judges, Magistrates and Staff.

• To coordinate with the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) the training of members of the Judiciary and other staff of the Service in anti-corruption, transparency and accountability issues and the use of the Code of Ethics.

• To offer counselling to the general public on court matters. This relates to persons who come to the Unit with issues which border on their own ignorance of the status of cases before the courts, filing procedures etc.

SCOPE OF WORKWhen the public have complaints to file, they do so either personally or by a letter to the Secretariat at the office of the Chief Justice or the Complaints Unit

the youth such as the Annual Chief Justice's Mentoring Programme. Actual collaboration with the UNFPA will commence in the 2014/2015 Legal Year.

3.3 PUBLIC COMPLAINTS & COURTS INSPECTORATE UNIT

BACKGROUNDThe Petitions and Complaints Unit was established in 2003 by the late Chief Justice G.K. Acquah as part of efforts to promote good governance, entrench anti-corruption, accountability and transparency in the Judicial Service. Due to the successes chalked up in its formative stages, in 2005, the Unit was upgraded and expanded to widen the scope of functions from Petitions and Complaints Unit to a Public Complaints and Court Inspectorate Unit. It is now headed by a Justice of the Court of Appeal. The Unit does not only investigate petitions and complaints but equally conducts periodic inspections of court and on-the-spot inspection and checks on books, accounts etc.

FUNCTIONS OF THE UNITThe Unit performs the following functions inter alia:

• To investigate and handle complaints by the general public against members of the Bench and Staff of the Service on corruption and other negative practices.

• To investigate complaints regarding the abuse of the Code of Ethics and any abuse of office or


situated in the Supreme Court Building. Once a petition is received, it is referred to the Director.

The Director handles petitions on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the gravity of the petition, the Director may request a Committee to handle the petition. In other instances, the Deputy Director or supporting staff may be requested to deal with the petition. A report is prepared on each case and submitted to the Chief Justice through the Director for approval or review of the recommendations.

It should be noted that it is only the Chief Justice who has the final authority in the determination of any petition or complaint.

NATURE OF PETITIONS OR COMPLAINTS• Petitions against the conduct of Judges and

Magistrates in cases before them.• Complaints against abuse of power.• Display of open bias in court by Judges and

Magistrates.• Breach of judic ial process.• Missing dockets, court documents, etc.

Average Case for a month – 34N/B: The cases disposed of include petitions brought forward from 2012

AVERAGE CASE FOR A MONTH (2013)

MONTH CASES REGISTERED

CASES DISPOSED OF

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

TOTAL

27

44

39

32

40

25

42

31

14

32

45

38

409

42

55

36

38

32

29

37

33

41

22

28

34

427


AVERAGE CASE FOR A MONTH JANUARY- JUNE 2014

Average Case for a month – 41

N/B Cases registered as at January-December 2013 Total = 409

Cases disposed of as at January-December 2013Total = 427

Cases registered as at January-June 2014Total = 243

Cases disposed of as at January-June 2014Total = 223

20 Cases were still pending as at the end of June 2014.

3.4 ADR DIRECTORATE

3.4.1 INTRODUCTIONIn line with the mandate of the Judicial Service of Ghana to ensure effective and speedy delivery of justice, the Service formally institutionalised the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Programme in 2005 as part of its justice adjudication process. It was also to empower disputants to play a critical role in resolving their disputes.

The ADR programme has over the years gained grounds in the Service and has become a preferred choice for most Court users who seek an expeditious, flexible and affordable means to justice in the Courts.

Currently, 57 Courts have been connected to the CCADR programme across the nation with the hope that the rest of the courts in the country would be connected to ADR by the year 2017.

Data available in the year under review indicates that 2355 cases were settled out of 5789 cases representing a 41% settlement rate.

3.4.2 MAJOR ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKENDURING THE YEAR

A number of activities were carried out between May 2013 and May 2014 under the ADR Work Plan in consonance with the Strategic Plan of the Judicial Service and supported by DANIDA.

Below are the various activities undertaken during the year under review.

MONTH CASES REGISTERED

CASES DISPOSED OF

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

TOTAL

40

34

49

49

37

34

243

46

25

35

36

47

34

223


PUBLIC SENSITIZATIONAs part of its advocacy programme, the ADR Directorate held a series of press briefings during the ADR Week and granted television and radio interviews on ADR in all the regions across the country. TV3, Metro TV, GBC, Obonu Fm, Emashie and Multi TV provided media coverage for the event.

ADR WEEKIn accordance with the Hon. Lady Chief Justice's policy directive, the ADR Directorate held ADR Week Celebrations in March, July and December, during the year under review. In line with the practice, the event was opened with a Press Conference in Accra and Takoradi in March, July and December.

In all, a total of 913 cases were referred for ADR during the celebration, out of which 464 cases were settled. The ADR Week is observed every Legal Year Term for disputing parties who have their cases in court to resolve them through mediation.

It is also to intensify public education on the ADR Programme and how disputants can access it.

TRAININGThe Judicial Service with funding from DANIDA recruited and trained 33 mediators for 11 District Courts. The ADR Directorate also in collaboration with the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) undertook a number of ADR training programmes for Judges to support efforts by the Service to mainstream ADR in all Courts by 2017.MEDIATORS PAYMENTS

Mediator payments were regular in the year under review. This was due to the intervention by DANIDA to provide funds for the Service to pay mediators.

FUNDINGIn order to secure sustainable funding for the ADR Programme, the ADR Directorate has proposed to the Rules of Court Committee that the current Filing Fees regime be reviewed to factor in an ADR Levy of GH¢1.00 for all Civil cases. The ADR Levy will be covered by separate receipts and lodged in an account to be applied to fund the ADR programme on a sustainable basis. At the time of writing this report, the proposal was receiving attention at the Rules of Court Committee.

STATISTICSA total of 5789 cases were mediated across the country in various courts which are connected to ADR, out of which 2355 cases were successfully settled. This represents a settlement rate of 41%. The CCADR programme has indeed helped the Judicial Service in its drive to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts.

Table 1, shows the number of cases mediated and settled in all the 47 courts that participated in the ADR programme across the country from June, 2013 to May, 2014.

In all, a total of 2355 cases were successfully settled out of 5789 cases mediated in the year under review.


11 Ho 116 5412 Asesewa – –13 Dzodze 92 2714 Sekondi 108 1815 Takordi(Habour) 19 816 Navrongo 2 2 17 Tamale 53 2618 Dunkwa/on/offin 96 6619 Jasikan 44 2120 Koforidua(a) 151 2721 Koforidua (b) 92 2722 Akim Oda 103 8523 Tarkwa 75 4823 Bibiani 151 4524 Wassa Akropong 21 1325 Ejisu 15 1226 Nalerigu – –27 Bimbila 20 1128 Tuobodom 9 329 Cape Coast 111 6030 Juabeng 4 2

NO. COURTS C.MEDIATED C.SETTLED

1 James Town 212 502 Madina 213 125 3 Ministries 565 2254 White house 454 625 Kaneshie 155 396 Accra Central(osu/la) 465 1947 Amasaman 410 2718 Adjabeng 513 207

9 TDC.Tema 253 7410 City Engineers 174 106

STATISTICS ON CASES MEDIATED AND SETTLED BY 47 COURTS FROM JUNE 2013 TO MAY 2014


44 Sunyani – –45 Bolgatanga 3 3

46 Shama 5 347 Winniba 18 848 Mampong 22 1049 Obuasi 10 8

TOTAL 5789 2355

30 Juabeng 4 231 Ash Town 95 6332 Mpraeso (cc) 80 5333 Odumase Krobo (cc) 83 2534 Kpando (cc) 58 3835 Hohoe (cc) 83 2036 Aflao (cc) 80 4437 Keta (cc) 239 6838 Sogakope(cc) 66 839 Nsawam(cc) 95 3040 Agona Swedru(cc) 88 52

41 Takoradi M.Circle(cc) 23 1042 Tamale (cc) - -

43 Dodowa 45 4

NO. COURTS C.MEDIATED C.SETTLED

29 Cape Coast 111 60

The total settlement rate was 41%.

TABLE 2: REGIONAL PERFORMANCE

Table 2, indicate the Regional performance of cases mediated and settled in the year, 2013/14.

Greater Accra recorded the highest number of settlement rate of 3560 out of which 1371 cases. Upper West referred the least number of cases to ADR

as depicted in Table 2.

COMMENTS ON RETURNSThe statistics above indicate a decline in cases mediated upon and settled in the year under review.

A number of factors accounted for the decline in performance of the ADR programme which could be attributed to the following:


• Poor remuneration of Mediators.• Some Disputants did not show up when

their cases were referred for mediation.

OBSERVATIONThe following were observed during the year under review:

• Members of the public have showed keen interest in the ADR concept.

• Some members of staff of the Judicial Service still have not come to terms with the ADR programme.

• Some of the Magistrates still think that only matrimonial cases or cases between closely related people can go to ADR.

• Some Judges of the High and Circuit Cour ts imposed mediators on disputants.

• Space for mediators to hold mediation sessions in the Courts is still a challenge for the ADR programme.

STATISTICS ON CASES MEDIATED AND SETTLED FROM JUNE 2013 TO MAY 2014

REGION CASES MEDIATED CASES SETTLED PERCENTAGE %

GT. ACCRA

EASTERN

CENTRAL

WESTERN

VOLTA

BRONG AHAFO

ASHANTI

NORTHERN

UPPER EAST

UPPER WEST

TOTAL

3560

527

303

458

727

9

147

53

3

2

5789

1371

224

201

165

264

3

95

27

3

2

2355

39%

43%

66%

36%

36%

33%

65%

51%

100%

100%

41%


Associations

4.1 ASSOCIATION OF MAGISTRATES AND JUDGES OF GHANA (AMJG)

The Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) is a body made up of Magistrates and Judges of the Judiciary of Ghana including chairmen of Regional Tribunals.

It is registered as an association limited by guarantee under the Company's Act, Act 179 and affiliated to the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association (C.M.J.A) which has its headquarters in London.

The aims and objectives of the Association include promoting the welfare of its members and keeping abreast of developments in the law. The Association also serves as a link between the Administration and its members.

The AMJG helps to educate its members to understand and maintain cordial working relations with members of the Bench, the Bar, the Registrars and the entire Judicial Staff.

The Association is funded by monthly contributions from its members. All important decisions of the Association are taken at the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) held every year in October and which coincide with the Legal Year Celebration.

ElectionsAt the time of writing this report, the term of the current executive of AMJG was coming to an end in

September, 2014 and notices had been served for all members interested in offering themselves for service to file their nominations. Fresh elections were due to

ndtake place on the 2 of October, 2014 at the Annual General Meeting at Labadi Beach Hotel.

SalariesThe year witnessed a crisis before the Christmas of 2013 when the Controller and Accountant General's Department, acting under instructions of the Ministry of Finance and the Chief of Staff, slashed the salaries of the Lower Court Bench by almost 50%. The affected members threatened to take legal action as they found the action unlawful and unconstitutional and in breach of article 127 of the 1992 Constitution. The Executive prevailed upon them to hold on with the court action, after which a Sub-Committee was set up following a series of meetings with the Chief of Staff and the Attorney General on one hand and the Executive of AMJG on the other. The Sub-Committee was made up of representatives of the Government and AMJG. The Government’s delegation was led by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson and George Graham, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission whiles AMJG's delegation was led by H/L Eric K. Baffour.

After two days of negotiations, the Government agreed to restore the salaries of the Lower Court Bench which has since been duly complied with. Nonetheless, the deducted salaries from December, 2013 to March, 2014 have still not paid and the Executive is making frantic efforts to ensure that this is done.


Further EducationThrough the initiative of the Chief Justice opportunities were offered to a number of Magistrates, Judges and Justices to pursue further studies in Master of Laws (LLM) in schools in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Malta. Some of the members who have completed their studies have returned especially those who were at Fordham Law School. The knowledge, exposure and experience gained over the one year period are impacting positively on their output on the Bench and also in the support they are giving to AMJG.

12 members made up of four Justices of the High Court, four Circuit Judges and four magistrates are due to undertake various LLM programmes in Law Schools such as Fordham Law School, St. John's Law School, both in New York, George Washington Law School, Washington DC and Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan. The Association as well as the Judicial Service hopes to be enriched by the learning experience when they return in 2015.

PromotionsThe Lower Courts witnessed a lot of recruitment in the year under review. 22 new Magistrates were appointed by the Judicial Council and the Chief Justice from the Bar. Their appointment has gone a long way in filling vacancies that have come about by virtue of the creation of new District Courts by the Chief Justice.

RetirementThe year under review has seen the compulsory and voluntary retirement of twelve of our members. They are as follows: one Justice from the Supreme Court, four Justices of the Court of Appeal, three High Court

Judges, three Circuit Judges and one Magistrate. They have served the Service well over the years with commitment, hard work and integrity. We wish them well as they take a bow from the Judicial Service and hope they still remain proud associate members of AMJG.

DeathA Magistrate, Faustina Mary Addington, was called to glory by God. We only pray for a peaceful rest for her as she meets the great Judge of all.


Georgina T. Wood (Mrs.) Chief Justice

JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT1. W.A. Atuguba 2. Sophia A.B. Akuffo (Ms.) 3. Julius Ansah 4. S.O. Adinyira (Mrs.) 5. Jones Dotse 6. Anin Yeboah 7. P. Baffoe Bonnie 8. S. N. Gbadegbe 9. V. Akoto-Bamfo (Mrs.) 10. A.A. Benin 11. J.B. Akamba

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEAL 1. Henrietta Abban (Mrs.) 2. S.E. Kanyoke 3. F. Kusi Appiah 4. Mariama Owusu (Ms.) 5. Yaw Appau 6. Samuel K. Marful-Sau 7. P.K. Gyaesayor 8. V.D. Ofoe 9. K.A. Acquaye 10. F.G. Kobieh 11. C.J. Honyenuga 12. E.K. Ayebi 13. K.N. Aduama Osei 14. Irene Charity Larbi 15. Agnes M.A. Dordzie (Mrs.)

16. Senyo Dzamefe 17. Dennis Dominic Adjei 18. Avril Lovelace-Johnson 19. Margaret Welbourne (Mrs.) 20. B.F. Ackah Yensu (Ms.) 21. Cecilia H. Sowah (Mrs.) 22. Gertrude Torkornoo (Mrs.) 23. Alhaji Saeed Kwaku Gyan 24. Alhaji Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu

JUSTICES OF THE HIGH COURT1. K.A. Abada 2. R. B. Batu 3. G.K. Adzagli 4. F.K. Opoku 5. L.L. Mensah 6. Godwin Gabor 7. Charles Quist 8. Kwame Ansu-Gyeabour 9. James Benuyenah Benson 10. Henry A. Kwofie 11. Anthony Oppong 12. G.S. Suurbaareh 13. Emmanuel Kwasi Mensah14. R.C. Azuma15. David Kwate Ofosu-Quartey16. Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta17. Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu18. Philip Bright Mensah19. Bright Mesiotso Echasi K. Dzebre20. Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Mustapha

List of Judges and Magistrates


21. Nicholas Mensah Cudjoe Abodakpi22. Justin K. Dorgu23. Kofi Essel Mensah24. Imoru Ziblim25. Mustapha Logoh26. N.C.A Agbevor27. Paul Kwesi Richardson28. G.A. Kwasi-Kumah29. Uuter P. Dery30. George K. Koomson31. Mohammed Nabon32. Edward Amoako-Asante33. John Ajet-Nasam34. John K. Gyamfi-Owusu35. Jacob Bawine Boon36. Kwabena Asuman-Adu37. Angelina Mensah-Homiah (Mrs.)38. Jennifer A. Dodoo (Mrs.)39. Alex B. Poku-Acheampong (Judicial

Secretary)40. Stephen Herbert Ocran41. Peter Dei Ofei42. Norvisi Afua Aryene (Mrs.)43. Fred Kwasi Awuah44. Patrick Baayeh45. Kossi Efo Kaglo46. Kwasi Dapaa47. Kwame Ohene Essel48. Elizabeth Ankumah (Mrs.)49. Eric Baah50. Alhaji Abdullah Iddrisu51. Anthony Kwadwo Yeboah52. Charles Gyamfi Danquah

53. Gifty Dekyem (Mrs.)54. Alex Owusu-Ofori55. Ernest Obimpeh56. Kofi Akrowiah57. Jennifer A. Tagoe (Mrs.)58. C.A. Wilson59. Daniel Mensah60. J.A. Bartels-Kwodwo (Mrs.)61. E.K. Bosompem Apenkwa62. Beresford Acquah63. Richard Adjei Frimpong64. Barbara Ward Acquah (Mrs.)65. George Ato Mills-Graves66. Peter Kwabena Ababio67. George Buadi68. Amos Lawer Buertey69. Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah (Mrs.)70. S.K. Sarpong Appiah71. Georgina Mensah-Datsa (Mrs.)72. Doris Bempong (Mrs.)73. Ananda Juliana Aikins (Mrs.)74. Laurenda Owusu (Mrs.)75. Olivia Obeng Owusu (Mrs.)76. Ken A. Okwabi77. Emmanuel Ankamah78. Richard Kogyapwah79. Jerome Noble Nkrumah 80. George Krofa Addae81. Nana Adwoa Coleman (Mrs.)82. Patience Mills-Tetteh (Mrs.)83. Naa Adoley Azu (Mrs.)84. Merley Afua Wood (Mrs.)85. Ivy Heward Mills (Mrs.)


86. N.K.E. Osam 87. Kwasi Boakye88. Emmanuel Amo Yartey89. John B. Nabarese 90. Gilbert Ayisi Addo 91. Barbara N. Tetteh-Charway 92. Eric Kyei Baffour 93. Alexander Osei Tutu 94. Cecilia Yella Don-Chebe Agbevey (Mrs.) 95. Gifty Agyei-Addo (Mrs.) 96. Rebecca Naa Shormeh Sittie (Mrs.) 97. Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe (Mrs.) 98. Doreen Genevieve Boakye-Agyei (Mrs.) 99. Constant K. Hometowu 100. Samuel Obeng-Diawuo101. Hannah Taylor (Mrs.)102. Hafisata Amaleboba (Mrs.)

CIRCUIT JUDGES1. Asmah Akwasi Asiedu2. Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed (Mrs.)3. William Boampong4. Kwame Gyamfi Osei5. M.E. Essandoh6. Benjamin Y. Osei7. Seyram Tsatsu Yao Azumah8. Florence Kai Out9. Daniel K. Obeng10. Isaac Bright Akwantey11. Kofi N. Akuffo12. Michael Cudjoe Ntumy13. John Ekow Mensah14. Alex Obeng-Asante

15. Francis Obiri 16. Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe17. Samuel Asare Nyarko 18. Emmanuel Lodoh 19. Sedina Agbemava 20. Yaw Attah Sampong 21. Emmanuel Kofi Sunu 22. Audrey Kocuvie-Tay 23. Eva Bannerman-Williams24. Janet Anima Maafo25. Rita Agyemang-Budu (Mrs.)26. Emmanuel Bart-Plange Brew 27. Gabriel Mate Teye 28. Yaw Owuahene Acheampong29. Ebenezer Osei Darko30. Lydia Osei Marfo 31. Samuel Boakye-Yiadom32. Ali Baba Abature33. Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku (Mrs.) 34. Afi Agbanu- Kudomor (Mrs.) 35. Mariama Sammo36. Patricia Quansah37. Aboagye Tandoh 38. Abdul Yusif Asibey39. Emmanuel Agyir40. Ruby Aryeetey41. Vivian Ellen Amoah (Ms.)42. Kwame Amoako43. Michael Abbey44. Bernard Bentil45. Baptist Kwodwo Filson46. Afia Nyarko Adu-Amankwa47. Abigail Animah Asare


48. Kofi Seshie Ametewee49. Alexander Graham50. Mariam Saleh Sinare51. Cynthia Wiredu (Mrs.)52. Kwame Polley53. Roberta E. Otriso (Mrs.)54. Frank A. Rockson55. Mr. E. Essampong Ayesu56. Mr. Frederick Tetteh57. Rita Abrokwah Doko (Mrs.)58. Mr. F.A.W.K. Nawurah

DISTRICT MAGISTRATES (PROFESSIONALS)1. Samuel Ahiabor2. Osei Kofi Amoako3. Mercy Adei Kotei4. Frank Yaw Gbeddy5. Kwame Ohemeng- Mensah6. Marian Affoh7. Malcolm Ewoenam Bedzrah8. Franklin Titus-Glover9. Mavis E. Kwainoe10. Nana Brew11. Thomas Kwabena Ofedie12. Williams Baffoe13. Isaac Addo14. Yaw Poku Achampong15. Isaac Agyei16. Michael Kudjo Ampadu17. Francis Annin18. Charles Yaw Boateng19. Christina Eyiah-Donkor20. Worlanyo Kotoku

21. Arit Nsemoh22. Dorinda Smith Arthur (Mrs.) 23. Abena Amponsah Buansi 24. Patricia Amponsah 25. Ellen Lordina Serwaa Mireku 26. Priscilla Dappah Mireku27. Jonathan Avogo 28. Alfred Kwabena Asiedu 29. Veronique Abena Praba Manfort30. Charles Kwasi Acheampong 31. Joseph Ofosu Behome 32. Peter Oppong Boahen 33. Jonathan Desmond Nunoo 34. Abdul-Razak Musah 35. Dora Gloria Araba Eshun 36. Bertha Aniagyei 37. Samuel Djanie Kotey 38. Efua Gyetowah Sackey 39. Korkor Achaw Owusu 40. Appiatse Kwasi Abaidoo 41. Fred Obikyere 42. Adwoa Akyaama Ofosu 43. Nana Asibey Osei44. Isaac Apeatu 45. Festus Fovi Nukunu 46. Joseph Nadaado Mcali Jnr 47. Jojo Amoah Hagan 48. Rosemond Dodua Agyiri 49. Robert Addo

CAREER MAGISTRATES1. Issifu Amadu 2. Stanislaus Amanoipo


3. Eugene Obeng-Ntim 4. Hans Kofi Kpogo 5. Anthony Tabiri Abebrese 6. Andrew Prince Cudjoe 7. Samuel Entee (Jnr.)8. Joseph Twumasi 9. Kweku Baah Frempong10. Lawrence Buer Buenor 11. Abdul Majeed Illiasu12. Joyce Bamfo (Ms.)13. Stephen Tabiri14. Eric Danning15. Sam Medjida Nibi16. Kofi Owusu Sekyere 17. John Ayivor 18. Alfred Rockson K.Kpodo19. Joseph Mensah 20. Frank Ashitey Addo 21. Ernest K.A. Adjanor22. Stephen T. Abugrey23. Stephen Asuure 24. Charles Owusu-Nsiah25. Divine Kwaku Ahaidu26. Charles Wiafe 27. Osman Abdulai-Hakeem28. Priscilla Yeboah29. Abdul-Baki Abdulai30. Albert Anor Owusu31. Eric K. Fiamordzi32. Robert Agbleze33. Eric Baah Boateng34. Saeed Aliata35. Charles Osei Tutu

36. Eric Ansah Awuah 37. John Evans Ocran 38. Clement Kwasi Asomah 39. Juliana Millicent Ocran40. Emmanuel Kwame Boadu41. Ackom Quayson42. Joseph Akuoko 43. Vivian Lariba Yamusah44. Peter Banoe Dapileh 45. Rhoda K. Donkor46. Benjamin N.S. Samson-Ephram 47. Samuel W. Essel48. Grace Gunubu 49. Cynthia Adei Andy50. Wilson Minzala Batinge51. Paul K. Alhassan 52. Augustine Essah 53. Alice Afua Yirenkyi54. Samuel Kwesi Agyei55. Cynthia Nuekie Nortey56. Comfort Asamoah Sarpong 57. Rosemond Vera Aryeetey Ocloo58. Baba Issahaku Iddi59. Kwaku Twumasi60. Isaac Kweku Amoah 61. Christian Hevi-Affuflu62. Joseph Hamidu Nasigre 63. Sydney Braimah 64. Selorm Kuma Dzata65. Felicia Anane-Antwi66. Erasmus Narh Addo 67. Thomas Boadi Soyori68. Kaakyire Atta-Owusu


69. Issah Abdul-Wahab 70. Benjamin Bennet Attabra 71. Francis Asakeya Ana-Am 72. Janet Ahomka Yeboah (Mrs.)73. Hajia M. Jebuni Yakubu 74. Anthony Asaah75. Narh Awah 76. Eunice Anamsibadeck Apaliwen 77. Asubonteng K.A. Bohyen 78. Gifty Cudjoe 79. Seth Aduedem Alafa80. Godwin Kofi Kpogli 81. Comfort Adimazoya Apalayine82. Augustine Akusa-Am83. Alfred K. Amtoh Mensah84. Naomi Akyiano 85. Juliet Osei Duedu 86. Lari Bitam87. Beatrice Adzo Amedzi

88. Stella Amedogbe89. Alberta Amponsah90. Michael Gyamfi Boamah 91. George Davies Kwesi Ofori92. Ernest Yao Agbenya 93. Yaw Akosa Agyare Amoapong94. Issah Iddrisu Kpeglah 95. Linda Amissah96. Peter Anongbare 97. Jacob Amponsah98. Derrick Parden Eshun99. Solomon Kwasi Alomatu100. Ayagiba Salifu Bugri101. Bright Ayosagi Akoande 102. Emmanuel Davies103. Emelia Kokora Abruquah104. Felicia Gandedzi105. Patience Ashami Ablor


Appendix

CASELOAD STATISTICS AT A GLANCE


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE SUPREME COURT FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE COURT OF APPEAL FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014

Whilst the Court of Appeal in Accra used to sit four days a week and every week, the Kumasi Court of Appeal used to sit five days every month and the Cape Coast Court of Appeal used to sit three days in every six weeks during the period under review. Also, the Koforidua

and Tamale Courts of Appeal used to sit one day in every two months during the period under review.


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE HIGH COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014

CIVIL CRIMINAL


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE HIGH COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014 CONT’D

CIVIL CRIMINAL


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE CIRCUIT COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014

CIVIL CRIMINAL


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE CIRCUIT COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014 CONT’D

CIVIL CRIMINAL


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE CIRCUIT COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014 CONT'D

CIVIL CRIMINAL


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE DISTRICT COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014

CIVIL CASES CRIMINAL CASES


CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE DISTRICT COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014 CONT’D



CASELOAD STATISTICS OF THE DISTRICT COURTS FROM JULY 2013 TO MAY 2014 CONT'D


judicial service of ghana annual report 2013 | 2014 · 2018-08-07 · judicial service of ghana 3...

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