Ghana’s Justice System Faces Challenges in Ensuring Access to Justice for All Citizens

In Ghana, a significant proportion of citizens lack confidence in the country’s justice system, with fewer than half believing that ordinary people can obtain justice in court. According to a recent survey, 50% of Ghanaians express little or no confidence in the courts’ ability to deliver justice, while only 47% think that citizens can obtain justice. The survey also reveals that economically well-off respondents are more confident in the justice system than their poorer counterparts.

The challenges facing Ghana’s justice system are multifaceted. Many citizens face barriers in accessing legal services, including the high cost of legal representation, distance to courts, and lengthy delays in the judicial process. The country’s Legal Aid Commission, which is responsible for providing legal aid to poor and vulnerable citizens, has limited resources and reach, with its services concentrated in major cities. As a result, many citizens, particularly in rural areas, are left without access to legal assistance.

Corruption is also a significant issue, with 44% of Ghanaians believing that most or all judges and magistrates are corrupt. Furthermore, 62% of citizens think that people are often or always treated unequally under the law, and a similar proportion believe that judges and magistrates decide cases based on the influence of powerful people rather than the law.

The survey’s findings are concerning, given the importance of access to justice in a democratic society. Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and international human rights instruments, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, enshrine the principle of access to justice. However, the reality on the ground suggests that many citizens are being left behind.

The Ghanaian government and judiciary must take steps to address these challenges and ensure that all citizens have access to justice. This includes increasing funding for the Legal Aid Commission, expanding its reach to rural areas, and implementing measures to reduce corruption and promote transparency in the judicial process. By doing so, Ghana can strengthen its justice system and promote the rule of law, which is essential for the country’s democratic development and economic growth.