Withdraw new court assignment directive-GBA urges Acting CJ

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has urged Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to rescind a controversial directive requiring that all newly initiated cases and applications in Ghana’s superior courts be routed through his office for allocation and scheduling.

In a formal statement released on April 26, the GBA raised alarm over the ambiguity surrounding the order and its potential to disrupt the efficiency of the judicial process. The Association emphasized that the directive risks impeding the swift administration of justice and undermines the judiciary’s recent strides in integrating technology into case management.

“This directive, while possibly well-intentioned, introduces uncertainty into an already delicate process,” the GBA stated. “Given the urgent need to deliver justice promptly and the ongoing digital transformation of court procedures, we respectfully call for its immediate withdrawal.”

The GBA also advocated for a more decentralized approach to judicial administration, encouraging reforms that strengthen and expand the use of digital systems to ensure fairness, openness, and quicker resolution of legal matters.

The concerns follow a memo issued by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie on April 23, 2025, instructing registrars of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts to forward all fresh case filings to his office for assignment. Under this order, the acting Chief Justice would determine which judge hears each matter or constitute panels where necessary, and would also oversee the scheduling of hearing dates.

The directive effectively nullifies all previously existing assignment protocols and imposes a centralized control mechanism that will remain in effect until further notice.