Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has called for a review of Ghana’s long-standing judicial vacation, arguing that the annual break for superior courts is outdated and contributes to the growing backlog of cases.
Mr Azeem believes the reasons that initially informed the extended court recess no longer apply, particularly the need for judges to spend long periods away from the country for overseas travel, which was more common decades ago.
Speaking to Citi News, he said the legal vacation slows down the delivery of justice, as many cases are automatically adjourned until the courts resume, leaving litigants, lawyers and other stakeholders waiting for extended periods.
He proposed that judges should instead take their annual leave on a rotational basis, similar to other public sector workers, to ensure that court operations continue throughout the year without major disruptions.
“Judges don’t have to travel abroad by sea for long periods. Apart from that, the backlog of cases is too much in this country. There are so many cases that have all now been adjourned to November because of the legal vacation,” he said.
Mr Azeem acknowledged that judges, like other public officers, are entitled to annual leave but argued that the entire bench should not proceed on leave at the same time.
“Judges are public officers; they can take their normal leave. Even if it’s a two-month leave, whatever you want to give them, but it should not all come at the same time, so that while some are on leave, others will be at work, and the whole Judiciary work doesn’t come to a standstill,” he stated.
He further noted that the impact of the lengthy judicial vacation extends beyond judges and litigants, affecting lawyers and other professionals involved in the justice delivery process.
“It’s not only affecting judges or cases, but it also affects lawyers and other stakeholders in the delivery of justice in the country,” he added.
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