Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has unveiled a far-reaching digital transformation agenda for Ghana’s Judiciary, announcing that electronic filing, electronic authentication and electronic service of court processes will officially take effect from October 1, 2026.

The announcement, which marks a significant milestone in the Judiciary’s ongoing modernisation drive, was made during a grand durbar held to climax the 150th anniversary celebration of the Supreme Court, where the Chief Justice outlined an ambitious reform blueprint aimed at modernising judicial administration, enhancing operational efficiency and improving access to justice.

According to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, the digital reforms will be rolled out initially at the Supreme Court before being progressively extended to the Court of Appeal and the High Court under the Judiciary’s broader e-justice initiative.

He explained that the automation of court processes is intended to eliminate procedural bottlenecks, expedite the adjudication of cases and reposition Ghana’s justice delivery system to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven era.

The Chief Justice further disclosed that the Judiciary had concluded the first comprehensive review of the rules of court in more than two decades, with the revised rules expected to be laid before Parliament at the commencement of the next legal year in October.

He noted that the proposed reforms seek to simplify legal practice, minimise unnecessary procedural technicalities and align judicial processes with the evolving realities of contemporary litigation.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie underscored that public confidence remains the Judiciary’s most treasured yet most delicate asset, stressing that institutional credibility cannot be legislated or purchased but must be consistently earned through integrity, impartiality and unwavering fidelity to the rule of law.

He also welcomed the passage of the Legal Education Act, describing it as a pivotal step towards strengthening legal education and equipping the next generation of lawyers and judges to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Calling for collective commitment, the Chief Justice urged all stakeholders to embrace the reforms as a national imperative.

“The justice system forms an integral part of our constitutional architecture. Its effectiveness depends not only on sound laws but also on the shared commitment of all institutions entrusted with the governance of our Republic,” he stated.

Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector, describing resilient institutions as the cornerstone of a vibrant constitutional democracy.

She disclosed that government is carefully studying the recommendations submitted by the Constitution Review Committee and will, in due course, publish a position paper outlining its policy direction.

According to the Vice-President, the constitutional reform process will be pursued in close collaboration with the Judiciary, Parliament, academia and civil society to reinforce democratic accountability and deepen public trust in state institutions.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine described the relationship between his office and the Judiciary as one anchored in mutual respect and a shared devotion to constitutional governance.

He emphasised that state attorneys appear before the courts not merely as litigants but as officers of justice committed to advancing the rule of law through principled legal advocacy.

Dr Ayine also pledged the Attorney-General’s Office’s unwavering support for the Judiciary’s digital transformation agenda, including the implementation of electronic filing systems and virtual court proceedings.

Delivering the keynote address, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, advocated a critical review of the process for appointing Supreme Court justices and proposed the introduction of a constitutional cap on the number of judges serving on the apex court.

He cautioned that the existing arrangement could be susceptible to political manipulation through the expansion of the bench and urged the Judiciary to remain receptive to revisiting past legal interpretations where necessary.

Togbe Afede further expressed concern over the escalating cost of legal services, arguing that financial constraints continue to impede many citizens’ access to justice.

He called for pragmatic interventions to dismantle economic barriers and ensure that justice remains accessible, equitable and affordable for every Ghanaian.

The commemorative ceremony attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including Justices of the Supreme Court, past and present, magistrates, heads of law faculties, traditional authorities, and judicial representatives from Sierra Leone and The Gambia, underscoring the enduring significance of the Supreme Court’s 150-year legacy.