In a major push to enhance public accountability and environmental protection, President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for the establishment of Specialised Financial Courts to fast-track the prosecution of financial irregularities and environmental offences.
The initiative, which follows a high-level meeting between the President, Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, and Auditor General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over delays in prosecuting economic and environmental crimes.
A statement from the Presidency said the proposed courts will operate across the country through circuit adjudications, ensuring that cases related to public financial mismanagement, illegal mining, and other environmental violations are handled promptly.
The move is expected to reinforce the enforcement of the Auditor General’s powers under Article 187(7)(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the disallowance of illegal expenditures and the surcharging of public officers found culpable.
Observers say the measure could mark a turning point in Ghana’s efforts to combat corruption and strengthen institutional accountability, particularly in the management of public funds.
Also in attendance at the meeting were Supreme Court Judge Justice Gabriel Pwamang, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Legal Counsel to the President Marietta Brew, Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari, and Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The establishment of the new courts is expected to boost confidence in the justice system and serve as a deterrent to public officials and private individuals who flout financial and environmental laws.
