The Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has declared an enhancement of the jury selection process to encompass all eligible citizens, aiming to expedite and elevate the quality of criminal justice delivery.
This announcement was made during the formal commencement of the 2025 session of the Criminal Assizes by the Judicial Service on Tuesday, April 16, 2025. This initiative represents a crucial advancement in tackling the delays associated with the adjudication of criminal cases nationwide.
“As we inaugurate the assizes today, we have broadened the jury list to include all legally qualified citizens, including numerous individuals from the private sector,” Chief Justice Torkornoo remarked.
“In the future, we will take additional measures to expand the pool from which jurors are selected. We anticipate that the time citizens spend in jury meetings will improve significantly,” she added.
The Chief Justice highlighted that this initiative is part of a comprehensive reform strategy designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary.
She praised the contributions of a committed team that has worked to develop and advocate for these reforms through media outreach and stakeholder engagement at both national and regional levels.
“A team assisted me in proposing solutions and reforms to enhance the efficiency and results of the judiciary system. To ensure stakeholder support, the team engaged in media and stakeholder discussions across various platforms,” she stated.
Judges have been reminded to rigorously enforce Sections 222 to 224 of the Criminal Procedure and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 30), which stipulate penalties for jurors who fail to appear in court without valid reasons. Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized that any absence by an empaneled juror will be regarded as a day of no work, which will impact their eligibility for allowances.
“In this context, foremen are kindly requested to inform all jurors on a panel about attendance requirements well in advance of the court’s sitting,” she concluded.
The Chief Justice has called upon all participants in the justice sector to unite in their efforts to implement reforms aimed at improving the integrity and efficiency of the judiciary.
“I urge all stakeholders to support the judiciary in enacting reforms that will strengthen legality, ethics, due process, and the management of assets and resources in the delivery of justice,” she stated.
In her remarks on the advancements achieved over the past year, she expressed her appreciation for the efforts of her colleagues, staff, and partners within the judicial system.
“I am truly pleased that, after a year, through divine grace and the unwavering support of fellow judges, citizens, stakeholders, staff, and the management of the judicial service, we have reached numerous significant milestones,” Chief Justice Torkornoo concluded.
The introduction of an expanded jury system is anticipated to enhance transparency, encourage public involvement, and ensure timely adjudication within Ghana’s criminal justice framework.
Core Planning Team for the commencement of the criminal assizes:
– HL Mensah Homiah, JA
– Asare Botwe, JA
– Lydia Osei Marfo, JA
– HL Frederick Tetteh, J
– HL Dorothy Ayodele Kingsley-Nyinah, J
– HH Sussana Eduful, HW
– Mensima Ackoh, HW
– Derrick Annan
– Mr. Noble Nutifafa (Director of ICT)
– Mr. Ampong Fosu (Director of Communication)
– Mr. Charles Baidoo (Director of Court Services)
