Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, a U.S.-based Ghanaian legal scholar, has criticised the prolonged delays in legal trials, emphasising that justice must be served promptly to maintain public trust in the legal system.
In a Facebook post, Prof. Asare argued that there is no justification for trials to extend beyond three months and called for immediate reforms within the judiciary.
He expressed concern over cases that remain unresolved for years, describing this as a serious issue that undermines core principles of justice, such as fairness, efficiency, and accessibility.
“Prolonged litigation not only burdens those involved but erodes confidence in the legal system, leaving litigants in uncertainty and financial distress,” Prof. Asare stated.
He noted that delayed cases create opportunities for procedural abuses and increase costs, disproportionately impacting those with fewer resources.
The professor advocated for systemic changes, including stricter case management, the integration of technology to streamline proceedings, and greater accountability to minimise delays.
He concluded, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” urging that reformers be placed on the rules of court committee to address these pressing concerns.
