ANDREWS KOTEY & OTHERS (PLAINTIFF/ RESPONDENTS) vs. GHANA TEXTILES PRINTING CO. LTD. (DEFENDANT/APPELLANT)

OFOE,J.A.: On a careful reading of the record of appeal I found it impossible distancing myself from the frustration and despair that the respondents, who I will refer to as the plaintiffs, went through while their case, which started in 1993, went through adjournments upon adjournments and through the hands of several judges. I will refer to the appellant as the defendant. We are here talking about a case that took 16 years to reach judgment. And the reason for this avoidable delay, as disclosed in the record of appeal, is mainly a combination of carelessness of lawyers and court officials. From the pleadings filed on behalf of the parties and the several amendments that followed it is clear that even though the lawyers who handled the suit appreciated the facts of the case they, for unknown reason, found it difficult determining the appropriate relief to seek from the court, thus necessitating amendments upon amendments. Come to think of it that after the several amendments both cou...