Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo has launched a scathing attack on Ghana’s judicial system, alleging that some judges and powerful lawyers are deliberately stalling corruption trials to protect politically connected individuals.
Speaking on The KeyPoints programme on October 25, 2025, Mr. Domelevo claimed that corruption suspects often collude with judges to drag proceedings until a change in government, after which new administrations discontinue the cases.
“They can even procure judges. A judge may say, ‘What I can do is to keep adjourning until your party comes to power, then the case will be thrown out,’” Domelevo alleged.
According to him, such deliberate delays undermine the fight against corruption and erode public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
Judicial Reforms Needed to Win Anti-Corruption War
Mr. Domelevo emphasized that Ghana will never win the war against corruption without a reformed judiciary. He proposed a maximum trial duration of 9 to 12 months for corruption-related cases, with penalties for judges who exceed that period without valid justification.
“Judges who stretch corruption cases beyond a year should face misconduct proceedings,” he stated.
He further urged Parliament to treat judicial reform as a “certificate-of-urgency” matter, noting that justice delays directly affect the recovery of stolen public funds.
“The money is still in someone’s pocket and not in use. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Domelevo stressed.
Call for a 24-Hour Justice System
In a bold proposal, Domelevo suggested introducing a 24-hour court system to accelerate justice delivery in Ghana. He argued that with over 800 newly qualified lawyers called to the Bar recently, some could be engaged as part-time or night-shift judges to hear cases beyond regular hours.
“We all don’t have to go to court at 9 a.m. and close by 3 p.m. A 24-hour economy should start in the Judiciary too,” he said.
This, he explained, would not only reduce case backlogs but also demonstrate the Judiciary’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy.
Justice Delayed, Money Lost
Mr. Domelevo warned that the slow pace of justice enables corruption proceeds to remain with perpetrators instead of serving taxpayers. He called on all stakeholders, particularly the Judiciary, Parliament, and the Executive, to treat anti-corruption measures as a national emergency.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he reiterated. “The money stolen could be building schools, hospitals, and roads, but it remains locked in private pockets.”
