Chief Justice Launches Sweeping Jury Reformsat Opening of 2025 Criminal Assizes

Chief Justice Announces Jury System Overhaul

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has announced major changes to Ghana's jury system. She made this announcement during the opening of the 2025 Criminal Assizes. The reforms aim to speed up trials and improve their integrity.

In her speech in Accra, she discussed a year-long journey of justice reform. This journey began with her Leading Justice Initiatives on April 8, 2024. These initiatives focused on identifying weaknesses in the Judiciary and promoting efficiency.

One key reform is expanding the national juror pool. Previously, jurors came mainly from clerical and public sector staff. Now, they will be selected from a wider range of society, including private sector professionals. This change aims to eliminate "professional jurors" who have served for many years.

“This change is long overdue,” said Chief Justice Torkornoo. She emphasized that jurors should reflect society and promote swift justice.

The Chief Justice outlined new administrative directives to speed up trial processes. No juror will be listed in more than one court at a time. Trials will run continuously until they are concluded.

Prosecution disclosures must be filed before empaneling juries to avoid delays. Judges must prepare Case Completion Plans before trials begin. In some cases, judges may use assessors instead of juries for efficiency.

Justice Torkornoo also mentioned that Superior Court Justices could hear criminal cases nationwide. This move aims to reduce case backlogs and deliver speedy justice.

She called for strict adherence to laws governing juror conduct and attendance. Jurors who miss proceedings without justification may face sanctions, including loss of allowances.

Other stakeholders were urged to fulfill their responsibilities as well. Lawyers must follow the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules from 2020. Police and prison officers should ensure timely production of accused persons and evidence.

Judges are directed to compel witness attendance using judicial powers to prevent delays. “These reforms are not mere tweaks,” emphasized the Chief Justice. “They call for urgency, accountability, and fairness from all actors in the justice system.”

In closing, Justice Torkornoo thanked the planning team and partners who made these reforms possible.