Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called for a comprehensive review of the structure and processes governing Ghana’s judiciary, including judicial appointments, and removal procedures, to ensure greater transparency and accountability while maintaining the independence of the institution.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, November 5, Justice Akuffo said it was time for the country to “reconceive the judiciary” and examine how judges are appointed and disciplined.
“I have a passionate view and I have had it for quite a long time about how the judiciary is appointed, because the manner in which the appointment is made leaves a lot to be desired,” she stated.
According to her, the current system lacks transparency and has led to public speculation about political interference and favoritism in judicial appointments.
“There is not much transparency in the process, and it’s important for that to happen, because otherwise, it leads to all kinds of speculation — that someone got appointed because of this or that — since people may not know the reality of the qualifications and merits of the appointment,” she explained.
Justice Akuffo suggested that Ghana should consider adopting models where independent bodies, rather than political actors, oversee judicial appointments. Such bodies, she said, could comprise representatives from professional and social groups who are selected based on merit and credibility, not political preference.
She further cautioned against arbitrary limits on the number of Supreme Court judges, noting that Ghana’s apex court is overburdened due to the wide range of cases it must handle.
“You can only begin to talk about limiting the number of Supreme Court justices if you also look at the scope and magnitude of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. For as long as everyone has a right of access, and cases of all kinds keep coming, how can you limit the number of judges?” she asked.
Justice Akuffo argued that unlike jurisdictions such as the United States, where the Supreme Court selects which cases to hear, Ghana’s system allows “come one, come all,” resulting in excessive workload and inefficiency at the highest level of the judiciary.
She emphasized that strengthening judicial independence through transparent appointments and practical reforms is essential to maintaining public trust and the integrity of Ghana’s justice system.
