Chief Justice Launches 12 Small Claims and Debt Recovery Courts

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has inaugurated 12 special courts focused on small claims and debt recovery. Eight of these courts are in the Greater Accra Region, with the remaining four in the Ashanti Region.

This initiative follows a significant increase in small claims cases at district courts, largely driven by filings from Bills MicroCredit. Justice Torkonoo highlighted that over 70% of these cases involved claims under GHC 5,000.

The surge in cases has overwhelmed district courts, undermining the Judicial Service’s court shift system. To manage this, the Judicial Service, with support from Bills MicroCredit, established these specialized courts.

The new courts will operate every afternoon on weekdays and on Saturdays. Specifically, the Ashaiman, Teshie, Kasoa, and La District Courts will function on Saturdays, while the Weija, Sowutuom, Adenta (District Court ‘2’), and Gbese District Courts will operate on weekday afternoons.

Chief Justice Torkonoo expressed gratitude to Bills MicroCredit for their support. Richard Quaye, CEO of Bills MicroCredit, noted that the new courts would enhance their business by expediting the resolution of their 30,000 pending cases.

“The establishment of the new Small Claims Court will greatly alleviate the burden on our judicial system, ensuring that cases are resolved more quickly and efficiently,” Quaye remarked.