Costs and Delays in Accessing Justice

Abstract

This chapter aims to examine the costs and delays in accessing justice in Ghana and Sierra Leone. It is argued that despite the promising and legal history of Ghana and Sierra Leone, with existing court structures and legal procedures on civil and criminal matters, the legal spaces of both countries are fraught with costs and delays in accessing justice. The authors used secondary data from the World Bank, Afrobarometer Report, statutes, court documents, website articles, etc. to underpin the write-up. It was found that citizens in both countries were confronted with delays and costs in accessing justice. It is recommended that in an era of cell phones and various apps, the justice sector should endeavour to go hi-tech by sending alerts to litigants, lawyers, and witnesses warranting their presence at an appointed date and time.