The Ministry of Finance is exploring steps that could strengthen Ghana’s judiciary by allowing it to fully utilise its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to address pressing operational needs. The measure is expected to boost court efficiency, improve working conditions, and resolve persistent challenges in the justice system.
Speaking on the matter, Minister of Finance Ato Forson said, “I am examining the possibility of allowing the Judiciary to utilise 100 percent of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to address pressing operational needs.” The statement spotlights the government’s commitment to supporting a judicial system that is both efficient and responsive to the needs of the public.
The announcement follows a courtesy visit to the Finance Ministry by Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, who was accompanied by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the Acting Director of the Ghana School of Law, Raymond Atuguba, and the Judicial Secretary. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, was also present during the meeting.
During the visit, the Chief Justice expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Finance’s continued support for the Judiciary and outlined some of the sector’s pressing challenges. A key concern highlighted was congestion in the courts, which continues to hamper the timely delivery of justice.
In addition, the Chief Justice raised concerns regarding the working conditions of judicial staff, pointing to the need for improved infrastructure and resources to enhance efficiency.
Ato Forson emphasized that the government remains committed to collaborating closely with both the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to address these challenges. Allowing the full utilisation of IGFs, he noted, could empower the Judiciary to manage its operational needs more effectively, providing funds for infrastructure, technology, and staff support without waiting for supplementary allocations from the central government.
Granting the Judiciary complete control over its IGFs would represent an important reform in public financial management. Such a measure could provide a reliable revenue stream for courts, reduce dependence on parliamentary allocations, and help address long-standing bottlenecks that delay judicial processes. Access to its own generated funds would allow the Judiciary to prioritize urgent operational needs, invest in digital tools to speed up case management, and improve overall service delivery to the public.
