Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has expressed concern over the persistent issues surrounding land acquisition and disputes in Ghana. Speaking at the 10th anniversary lecture of the Central University Faculty of Law, she highlighted how prolonged land litigations discourage investments, inflate costs, and ultimately hinder economic development.
She emphasized the critical role of customary law in land ownership but noted its underrepresentation in Ghana’s legal education system. Justice Torkornoo urged for a stronger focus on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation and arbitration, to speed up conflict resolution and reduce court backlogs.
The Chief Justice also called for practical legal education that combines traditional learning with hands-on skills like project management and research. She stressed the need for lawyers to broaden their expertise to solve complex societal problems effectively.
Additionally, she criticized the weak regulatory frameworks governing ethnic leadership and the management of family or stool lands, which often lead to instability. Justice Torkornoo called for urgent reforms to bridge these gaps and enhance economic growth.
