The announcement followed a high-level meeting at the Jubilee House in Accra between President Mahama, Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine, and Auditor General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu.
Circuit adjudications to operate nationwide
A statement released after the meeting indicated that the specialised courts would operate through circuit adjudications across the country. The arrangement is intended to make justice more accessible and expedite prosecutions.
‘The courts will ensure that cases cited in the Auditor General’s Report and other environmental offences are addressed swiftly and fairly, regardless of where they occur,’ President Mahama said.
Officials explained that the decision forms part of government’s broader efforts to curb corruption and protect the environment, particularly in response to the destructive impact of illegal mining on rivers, farmlands and communities.
Auditor General to enforce surcharge powers
The President reaffirmed that the Auditor General would continue, in line with Article 187(7)(b) of the Constitution, to ‘disallow’ illegal expenditures and ‘surcharge’ individuals or institutions responsible for financial irregularities.
‘These powers will now be backed by direct judicial mechanisms through the new financial courts,’ Mahama added, stressing that the initiative will ensure findings from audit reports lead to tangible legal outcomes.
Senior officials attend meeting
Present 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 and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The decision underscores government’s growing concern over financial mismanagement and illegal mining activities, both of which have eroded public trust and hindered sustainable development.
President Mahama noted that consultations with the Judicial Service and the Attorney General’s Department would begin immediately to implement the courts nationwide. (Source: The Truth)
