Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe has opposed calls to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 70 to 75, arguing that it is more beneficial for judges to leave the bench while still healthy.
“I want judges to retire very healthy and then we can use them as assessors,” he said during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, 16 June.
He stressed that, the court will need them for assessment and other engagements.
Justice Dzamefe also cautioned against compromising merit in pursuit of gender balance, stating, “Gender parity does not mean you have to push women not qualified just to fulfill the parity agenda.”
In his appearance, Justice Dzamefe proposed key judicial reforms, including the adoption of fixed timelines for the completion of court cases to enhance efficiency.
“I also think we must set timelines for cases — so let’s say, criminal cases three months, and civil for six months,” he suggested.
He emphasized the need to improve infrastructure and invest in human resources, advocating the use of modern technology like AI, voice recording, and virtual hearings.
“We must go with technology. The time of long handwriting is long gone past,” he added. His proposals come amid growing public frustration over delays in the justice system.
