Martin Kpebu Urges Lawmakers to Introduce Fixed Timelines for Criminal Trials to Curb Justice Delays

 

Renowned legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has renewed his call for the introduction of legislation that enforces strict timelines for the completion of criminal trials in Ghana. He argues that the persistent delays in the country’s justice system continue to undermine public confidence and the credibility of the judiciary.

Speaking in an interview on TV3, Mr. Kpebu emphasized the need for Ghana to adopt international best practices from countries such as the United States, India, and the United Kingdom, where specific timelines are set for various categories of criminal cases.

“We should have a defined period—say, six months—to complete each case,” he suggested. “Once it becomes law, judges will be compelled to comply because failure to do so could affect their tenure.”

He cited Ghana’s 2012–2013 presidential election petition as an example of how judicial timelines can work effectively when mandated by law. “We’ve already experimented with election petitions. Let’s extend the same approach to cover other criminal offences,” he said.

Mr. Kpebu warned that ongoing delays in criminal proceedings not only frustrate victims and accused persons but also fuel public mistrust and perceptions of political interference in the justice process. According to him, implementing statutory deadlines would enhance judicial accountability and improve efficiency across the legal system.

“By reforming our trial procedures, we can restore faith in the courts and demonstrate that justice in Ghana is not only served but served promptly,” he added.

Source: modernghana