The Judicial Service of Ghana is set to establish small claims debt recovery courts next week in response to the surge in debt-related cases filed by Quick Credit Loans. Since the implementation of the Court Shift System earlier this year, Quick Credit Loans has already filed 30,000 cases, with plans to submit a total of 55,000 cases.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo announced the establishment of the debt recovery courts during a meeting with the Judicial Press Corps.
The new courts are intended to alleviate the burden on the existing court system and expedite the resolution of debt-related cases.
“In view of the rising debt-related cases, the Judicial Service will next week open small claims debt recovery courts to redeem monies borrowed by customers from financial institutions,” the Chief Justice stated.
These courts will operate on Saturdays and during the afternoons to address the backlog of cases more efficiently.
The initiative aims to ease the workload on judges, particularly in district courts, and ensure timely justice.
Wilberforce Asare, Leader of the Judicial Press Corps, expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice and the management of the Judicial Service for the engagement and the proactive steps being taken to manage the influx of debt-related cases.
The pilot phase of the Small Claims Debt Recovery Courts will begin in the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions, setting a precedent for potential nationwide implementation if successful.
This move is expected to significantly streamline the judicial process and provide quicker resolutions for financial institutions and borrowers alike.
