The Chief Justice of the Republic, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has raised concerns over the persistent overcrowding in Ghana’s prisons, describing the situation as a major factor behind the introduction of the shift court system and specialized courts aimed at expediting justice delivery.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made these remarks on February 4, 2026, during a courtesy call on the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.), at the Prisons Headquarters in Accra. He stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Judiciary and the Ghana Prisons Service to enhance public safety and ensure efficient administration of justice.
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According to the Chief Justice, the increasing backlog of cases before the courts necessitates innovative approaches, including the implementation of the shift court system, where cases are heard in both morning and afternoon sessions to reduce congestion. Drawing from his experience as a former commissioned prison officer, he also advocated for deeper institutional cooperation, particularly in capacity building and the expansion of the Justice for All Programme.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further disclosed plans to involve the Prisons Service in orientation sessions for newly sworn-in Circuit Court judges to provide them with practical insights into prison operations. He noted that lengthy custodial sentences imposed by some courts have contributed significantly to prison congestion, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts between the Judiciary and the Prisons Service to maintain national peace and uphold an efficient justice system.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by a high-powered delegation from the Judicial Service, including Justice Henry Kwoffie of the Supreme Court, Justice Angelina Mensah Honniah of the Court of Appeal, Professor Raymond Atuguba, Director of the Ghana Law School, Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe of the Court of Appeal, and the Judicial Secretary, Mr. Musah Ahmed. Other members of the delegation included Mr. Joseph Ampong, Director of Communications; Mr. Francis Baidoo, Director of Court Services; Mrs. Jennifer K. Amoah, Secretary to the Chief Justice; and Mr. Papa Kwaku Maison, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation.
During the meeting, the Chief Justice acknowledged longstanding operational challenges confronting the Prisons Service and pledged the Judiciary’s support towards improving prison administration and justice delivery. The Justices present commended the Director-General for her cooperation during the recent Justice for All Programme and expressed their commitment to supporting its expansion to cover all prison facilities nationwide.
They also pledged to work closely with Legal Aid to facilitate appeals for deserving remand inmates and assist in reuniting inmates with mental health challenges with their families, where appropriate.
In recognition of his historic visit, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was presented with a commemorative plaque, while Justice Henry Kwoffie, Justice Angelina Mensah Honniah, Professor Raymond Atuguba, and Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe were honoured with ceremonial sashes.
