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Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a Court of Appeal Judge and nominee for the Supreme Court, has proposed implementing artificial intelligence and virtual court systems as part of comprehensive measures to address delays in Ghana's justice system. He made these remarks during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025.
Justice Dzamefe informed the Committee that increasing the number of courts and integrating technology would help alleviate the growing backlog of cases and expedite resolutions for ordinary citizens.
“We need more courts to distribute the workload and expedite justice,” he stated in response to a question.
He further advocated for real-time audio and video recordings in court, utilizing AI to produce immediate transcriptions.
“By the end of a court session, records should be ready,”
he noted, adding that virtual hearings could significantly reduce transportation costs for both litigants and legal professionals. He suggested fixed timelines for court cases: three months for criminal matters and six months for civil disputes.
Regarding property disputes that often impact families, Justice Dzamefe addressed a question from MP Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, explaining the courts' role in these cases. He emphasized that courts ensure fair distribution, especially during divorce proceedings, highlighting that jointly acquired property should be equitably shared and inheritance cases handled under PNDC Law 111 or valid wills, with the courts safeguarding the interests of surviving spouses.
In response to Patrick Yaw Boamah's inquiry about public tribunals, Justice Dzamefe asserted that these bodies could bring justice closer to the community, emphasizing the invaluable contribution of laypersons in adjudicating cases.
“Law is 20% technical knowledge and 80% wisdom. Laypeople bring wisdom to cases and cannot be intimidated,” he explained, noting that community members can provide fair and practical insights in dispute resolution.
Justice Dzamefe also candidly addressed the financial constraints facing the judiciary. In response to MP Hassan Tampuli, he stated that while the judiciary is constitutionally independent in legal and administrative matters, it lacks financial autonomy.
“Judicially and administratively, we are independent. Financially, I don’t think we are, because Parliament allocates our budget,” he remarked, suggesting that the current funding system hampers the judiciary’s ability to serve the public effectively.
With extensive experience as a High Court judge in Sekondi, Swedru, and Accra, and having served as President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, Justice Dzamefe brings a wealth of courtroom and administrative expertise to his potential new role if confirmed.