Small Claims Court in Ghana and How to Make a Formal Complaint

When a debt goes unpaid or a dispute arises, many Ghanaians assume the only option is a long, expensive court battle. But Ghana’s judicial system has a faster, cheaper route for smaller claims—and a separate body for complaints against public institutions or human rights violations. Knowing which door to knock on is the first step to getting justice.

Part 1: Small Claims Court in Ghana

What It Is

In October 2024, the Chief Justice launched 12 specialized Small Claims Debt Recovery Courts to handle the growing volume of small claims and debt recovery cases filed in District Courts across the country. Eight of these courts are in the Greater Accra Region and four are in the Ashanti Region, operating on a pilot basis .

The initiative was driven by data showing that a single micro-credit company had filed 30,000 cases, with over 70% of its claims being for less than GH¢5,000. These small claims were clogging the District Courts and delaying justice for everyone else .

Who Can Use It

The courts are open to individuals and financial institutions seeking to recover debts. The Chief Justice emphasised that the courts are “a national asset open to all financial institutions to offer a quicker solution to the recovery of debts” .

If you are owed a small amount of money—whether you are a trader, a small business, or an individual—this is the route designed for you.

Where They Are and When They Sit

The 12 pilot courts are located in specific District Courts. The schedule is designed for accessibility :

Greater Accra Region:

• Saturdays: District Court, Ashaiman; District Court, Teshie; District Court, Kasoa; District Court, La

• Weekdays (2pm–8pm): District Court, Weija; District Court, Sowutuom; District Court ‘2’, Adenta; District Court, Gbese

Ashanti Region:

• Saturdays: District Court ‘2’, Asokwa; District Court ‘1’, Prempeh Assembly Hall

• Weekdays: Circuit Court ‘2’, Asokwa; Asokwa Circuit Court Conference Hall

The courts operate from 2pm to 8pm on working days and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays .

The Advantage

The key benefit is speed. The Chief Justice noted that the volume of small claims was affecting the operation of the court shift system and delaying other cases. By dedicating courts specifically to these claims, the system aims to resolve them expeditiously .

For a creditor, this means a faster judgment. For a debtor, it means a faster resolution and the ability to move on.

Part 2: How to Make a Formal Complaint in Ghana

Not every problem requires a court. Some are best handled by an administrative body. The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is the primary institution for complaints against public institutions or violations of fundamental rights.

What CHRAJ Handles

CHRAJ has a threefold mandate: it is a national human rights institution, an Ombudsman for administrative justice, and an anti-corruption agency.

You can file a complaint about :

• Human rights violations – discrimination, torture, unlawful arrest and detention, domestic violence, sexual harassment, denial of healthcare or education

• Administrative injustice – dissatisfaction with a decision, action, or service from a public institution or public official

• Corruption – in a public institution or by a public official

Who Can Complain

Any individual, group, or institution can file a complaint. You can also file on behalf of another person if the circumstances demand it .

When to Complain

You should complain as soon as possible, but not later than 12 months after the conduct or decision you are complaining about took place .

How to File

CHRAJ accepts complaints through multiple channels :

• Phone: Toll-free on 0800-330-330

• Email: [email protected]

• Post: Box AC 489, Accra

• In person: At the Head Office (Old Parliament House, High Street, Accra) or any Regional Office

When filing, provide as much detail as possible, including supporting documents, contact details, and the remedy you are seeking.

The Cost

All services rendered by CHRAJ are free of charge .

What CHRAJ Cannot Do

CHRAJ cannot investigate a matter that is pending before a court, involves relations between governments, or where the President has exercised the prerogative of mercy. It also cannot review decisions already made by a competent court .

Regional Contacts

Quick Facts

Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

accrastreetjournal.com/