Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah says notwithstanding the challenges brought on the justice administration system by the COVID-19 pandemic, justice must be delivered efficiently and without delay.

Despite the enormous challenges on the dispensation of justice following the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020 in the country, he said, “pandemic or no pandemic justice must be delivered and implemented.”

“It is the duty of the Judicial Service to provide the framework for the realization of the constitutional right of citizens,” he added.

Justice Anin-Yeboah was speaking at the 13th Annual Chief Justice Forum held in Koforidua on the theme: “Justice for all under Constitutional Rule; Making Justice Delivery Accessible in a Pandemic.”

The forum brought together stakeholders from the National House of Chiefs, global authorities, security services, non-governmental organizations, the Ghana Bar Association, and academia among others.

It deliberated on how to ensure efficiency in justice delivery in Ghana and how the Judicial Service would ensure greater transparency and accountability.

The forum opened the way for feedback from the public to guide the Judiciary in strategizing towards improved service delivery.

Justice Anin-Yeboah said it was in the interest of the Judicial Service to promote diversity of thoughts and opinions as well as preview its performance to ensure confidence in its delivery.

He urged the Judiciary to ensure that the COVID-19 preventive measures were adhered to and prepare for an ever-changing world, which should not affect accurate justice delivery.

Nene Sakite II, the Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, said the forum should improve transparency of the Judiciary and ensure public trust.

He said it should allow feedback to inspire reforms and remove misconceptions about the Judiciary adding: “The Judicial Service should open up access for civilians to ensure that the laws become natural resources for them.”

“COVID-19 pandemic took every aspect of our lives after the first case despite the development of vaccines,” he said, and commended the Service for its quick response by introducing innovative management technics.

Mr Yaw Achempong Boafo, the President of the Ghana Bar Association, said the Chief Justice Forum had become a key feature of the Judicial Service through which stakeholders deliberated on issues and shared ideas for efficient justice delivery in Ghana.

Members of the Service visited some courts in the Eastern Region, specifically at Senchi, Odumase Krobo, Akuapem Mampong, Nkwankwa, Kyebi and Suhum, as part of the forum.