Governance specialist calls for digital reforms to improve justice delivery

Governance specialist Valentin Kwasi Mensah has called for greater transparency in judicial appointments and sustained investment in technology to improve justice delivery, citing declining public confidence in Ghana’s courts. Speaking at a JoyNews public lecture on the theme “Even Judges Must Eat – An Outside-In Provocation,” Mr Mensah cited Afrobarometer’s 2024 survey, which found that 35% of Ghanaians trusted the courts somewhat or a lot, down from 57% in 2017. He said the figures highlighted the need for reforms that would strengthen accountability and demonstrate fairness in the administration of justice. “Such perceptions underline the need to rebuild confidence through visible fairness and accountability,” he said. Mr Mensah noted that Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution outlines the processes for appointing judges to Ghana’s superior courts, involving different constitutional actors depending on the court. He argued that while sharing responsibility for appointments could provide safeguards, the procedures must also inspire public confidence. “Sharing responsibility creates safeguards, but procedures must also inspire public confidence,” he said. He proposed publishing vacancies, establishing clear selection criteria and making appointment procedures more transparent to help the public assess whether merit guides the process. Citing the United Kingdom’s experience, Mr Mensah referred to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, which established a Judicial Appointments Commission that began operating in 2006, principally in England and Wales. He said Ghana could draw lessons from the British model’s emphasis on merit and good character without necessarily adopting the same system. Mr Mensah also called for sustained investment in digital systems to make court processes more efficient and accessible. He proposed expanding electronic filing, searchable court records, digital payment systems and reliable hearing schedules to reduce administrative bottlenecks and improve the experience of court users. “These could reduce missing files, unnecessary journeys, and opportunities for unofficial payments,” he said. He also advocated case management systems that record adjournments and the reasons for them, enabling judges and court administrators to identify avoidable delays and improve efficiency. Mr Mensah said citizens should be able to track the progress of their cases and access published judgments. However, he cautioned that digital reforms would require regular maintenance, staff training, cybersecurity safeguards and appropriate judicial oversight. He stressed that people without internet access or the skills to use digital platforms must also receive assistance. “A computer system that excludes citizens cannot deliver accessible justice,” he warned. The JoyNews public lecture brought together stakeholders to examine challenges facing the judiciary and consider practical reforms to improve the administration of justice.