Lawyers dissatisfied with operation of the new court shift system
According to feedback received by the GBA Court monitoring Committee, the system has increased stress among lawyers and reduced the time available for client interviews, preparation of submissions and other administrative legal work
The Ghana Bar Association’s Court Monitoring Committee has found that a large number of lawyers are dissatisfied with the operation of the new Court Shift System.
According to feedback received by the Committee, the system has increased stress among lawyers and reduced the time available for client interviews, preparation of submissions and other administrative legal work.
One of the major concerns raised relates to scheduling, with lawyers complaining that the system does not adequately take their individual court schedules into account.
This, according to the Committee, has sometimes resulted in lawyers being required to appear in court during both shift periods, placing additional pressure on their professional workload.
The Committee also identified delays in court administration as a factor worsening the situation.
Slow court recording processes, together with delays in receiving court orders and other processes, were cited as challenges that could make the system increasingly difficult for both lawyers and court users.
The Committee is expected to assess the effectiveness of the double-shift system by examining cases that have been fully determined since its introduction.
It will also consider whether an improved single-shift system, supported by stronger registry and administrative procedures, could deliver better results.
The review is expected to guide recommendations aimed at balancing lawyer welfare, litigation efficiency and the workload of judges and court staff.
