No Ghana Card, no copies of court judgments and orders – Judicial Secretary

The Judicial Secretary, Her Ladyship Justice Cynthia Pamela Addo, has issued a directive mandating all courts and registrars to provide parties and lawyers with copies of judgments and court orders only upon the presentation of their Ghana cards.

This directive, effective as of January 31, 2024, represents a significant shift in the documentation process within the judicial system.

The directive, prominently displayed on court notice boards nationwide, indicates immediate implementation.

It reflects a concerted effort by court administrators to integrate the judiciary and its registries with Ghana’s National Identification systems.

Previously, Ghana cards were primarily required for obtaining copies of judgments and orders in probate matters.

However, this new directive extends the requirement to all cases, emphasizing the importance of national identification in accessing judicial records.

By linking access to court documents with the possession of Ghana cards, the judiciary aims to streamline administrative processes and enhance efficiency.

Additionally, this move aligns with broader efforts to modernize and digitize government services, promoting transparency and accountability within the legal system.

While the directive represents a step towards greater integration of technology and identification systems within the judiciary, it also raises questions about access to justice for individuals who may not possess Ghana cards or face challenges in obtaining them.

As the implementation unfolds, stakeholders will closely monitor its impact on court operations and the broader legal landscape in Ghana.