Wisdom outweighs theory in justice delivery - Justice Dzamefe at Parliament vetting
Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a nominee for the Supreme Court bench, has told Parliament’s Appointments Committee that practical wisdom matters more than legal theory in delivering justice to ordinary Ghanaians.
Appearing before the Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Dzamefe, who currently serves on the Court of Appeal, stated: “Law is 20% technical knowledge and 80% wisdom.”
He said the ability to apply good judgment was central to fair outcomes, especially in a country where many people interact with the legal system without legal representation.
During his vetting, Justice Dzamefe proposed several ways to reduce delays in the court system.
Responding to a question, he said more courts should be established to distribute the workload.
He also suggested the use of artificial intelligence to produce transcripts instantly and recommended virtual court sessions to reduce the cost of travel for litigants.
“By the end of a court sitting, records should be ready,” he said. He proposed a three-month limit for the completion of criminal trials and a six-month period for civil cases.
On property-related matters, Justice Dzamefe explained that the courts are guided by fairness and the law. In response to MP Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, he said jointly acquired property in divorce cases is shared equitably. Inheritance cases are handled under PNDC Law 111 or valid wills, and the courts intervene when necessary to protect the interests of surviving spouses. He cited Agyei v. Nartey as one such case and said,
“The court intervenes to ensure reasonable provision.”
Justice Dzamefe also expressed support for public tribunals. Answering a question from MP Patrick Yaw Boamah, he said such tribunals help make justice more accessible and that laypersons offer important perspectives in legal decision-making. “Laypeople bring wisdom to cases and cannot be bullied,” he said.
He further raised concerns about the judiciary’s financial dependence. Responding to MP Hassan Tampuli, Justice Dzamefe noted that while the judiciary operates independently in legal and administrative terms, it remains reliant on Parliament for its funding.
“Judicially and administratively, we are independent. Financially, I don’t think we are, because Parliament allocates our budget,” he said. He argued that financial autonomy would allow the judiciary to function more efficiently.
Justice Dzamefe has served as a High Court judge in Sekondi, Swedru, and Accra, and is a former President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges.
