Finance Minister Explores 100% IGF Retention for Judiciary's Operational Needs

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has revealed that he is exploring a proposal to allow the Judiciary to retain and utilise 100 percent of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) as part of efforts to address urgent operational challenges within the justice delivery system. Dr Forson made the disclosure when the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration between the Judiciary and the Executive arm of government. The Chief Justice explained that the visit was to formally express the Judiciary’s appreciation to the Ministry of Finance for its continued support. He identified congestion in the courts as a major impediment to effective justice delivery in Ghana and noted that a number of interventions are currently being developed to address the challenge. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also raised concerns about working conditions within the Judiciary, stressing the need for sustained institutional support to improve efficiency and outcomes across the justice sector. In response, Dr Forson reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to resolve the challenges confronting the courts, noting that the proposed IGF retention measure is intended to enhance the Judiciary’s flexibility in responding to immediate needs. The meeting was attended by Supreme Court Judge Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the Acting Director of the Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond Atuguba, and the Judicial Secretary, Ahmed Musah. The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, was also present.