Private legal practitioner Justice Abdulai has called for greater investment in Ghana’s existing justice system, saying shortages of judges, court facilities and logistics continue to slow the delivery of justice.

Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints, Abdulai said the country’s judicial challenges extend beyond administrative processes.

“The problems within our justice system go way beyond typing. We do not have enough buildings, we do not have enough judges, we do not have enough staff and we do not have enough logistics,” he said.

According to him, more than 50 courts currently operate without resident judges, requiring judges from other courts to hear cases.

“Today, I can give you more than 50 courts that do not have judges, and judges have to come from other courts to sit on those matters,” he said.

He also said some courts are handling more than 500 cases each, making it difficult to clear their dockets.

“I can give you more than 10 courts that have over 500 cases each. That is practically impossible,” he said.

Describing delays in the justice system, Abdulai said concluding a case within two years is uncommon.

“Two years is like a birthday gift to you. If you are able to finish your case in two years, that is something,” he said.

He recalled inheriting a case that had remained in the courts for decades.

“There was a case I studied in law school, I came and inherited it and I left it behind. This is what we are dealing with,” he said.