Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi has highlighted the growing workload confronting Ghana’s appellate courts, stressing the need for increased institutional capacity to ensure the timely delivery of justice.

Speaking at the Distinguished Alumni Lecture held at the University of Ghana on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Justice Kulendi said the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court continue to handle a significant number of cases despite efforts to clear backlogs.

He revealed that during the review period, the Court of Appeal received 1,214 appeals and concluded 1,195, while the Supreme Court received 279 new cases and disposed of 250.

“And the appellate courts present a different but equally important picture. During the same period, the Court of Appeal received 1,214 appeals and concluded 1,195, while the Supreme Court received 279 new cases and concluded 250 of them,” he disclosed.

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Justice Kulendi also disclosed the current pending caseloads before the two appellate courts.

“The pending caseloads are presently at 4,501 and 454 cases, respectively,” he added.

However, the Supreme Court judge cautioned against interpreting the figures as a sign of institutional failure.

He explained that appeals often involve complex legal issues, extensive records of proceedings, and matters of broader public importance, requiring careful consideration and detailed deliberation.

“These figures should not be viewed as evidence of institutional failure. Appeals invariably involve more complex questions of law, extensive records of proceedings, and issues of wider public importance that necessarily require greater deliberation,” he said.

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Justice Kulendi stressed that the figures highlight the importance of strengthening the capacity of the judiciary to improve efficiency and reduce delays in the justice delivery system.

“They do, however, remind us that the timely administration of justice depends not only upon judicial diligence but also upon adequate institutional capacity,” he added.

He emphasised that maintaining public confidence in the justice system requires continued investment in resources, systems and structures that enable courts to perform their functions effectively.

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