Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo has announced the establishment of specialized Small Claims and Debt Recovery Courts in Ghana’s district courts to tackle the growing backlog of cases in the country.
The initiative responds to the many claims filed by Bills MicroCredit (formerly Quick Credit & Investment Micro-Credit Ltd). It aims to streamline handling small claims and expedite the recovery process.
During the launch ceremony at the District Court in La, Accra, Justice Torkornoo underscored the pressing need for the new court system. She stated, “We have observed a significant increase in the number of small claims being filed, particularly due to the large number of cases brought forward by Bills MicroCredit.”
According to the Chief Justice, an analysis of the case data revealed concerning trends. For example, in Adenta District Courts alone, Quick Credit & Investment Micro-Credit Ltd had filed 120 out of 773 active cases as of May 2024. The majority of these cases—over 70%—involved claims of less than GH₵5000. Similar patterns were observed in other district courts in Accra.
To address this situation, specialized Small Claims and Debt Recovery Courts will be set up on a pilot basis across 12 locations—eight in the Greater Accra Region and four in the Ashanti Region. To accommodate the increased caseload, the courts will hold sessions every weekday afternoon and on Saturdays.
Justice Torkornoo is optimistic that these new courts will significantly reduce the backlog and help manage the nearly 55,000 claims filed by Bills MicroCredit. She stressed the importance of citizen and business cooperation in effectively addressing the challenges and enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system.
Mr. Richard Quaye, Chairman of Bills MicroCredit, praised the initiative and emphasized its significance in easing the burden on the judicial system. He noted that the increase in clients had led to a rise in defaulters, making expedited hearings necessary.
Quaye highlighted that the swift action by the Chief Justice would greatly benefit the financial and judicial systems and foster a healthier economic environment.
