Justice Ackaah-Boafo Advocates Expanded Jury System to Boost Criminal Justice in Ghana
Accra, June 20, 2025 — Supreme Court nominee Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo has called for a sweeping reform of Ghana’s jury system, proposing that jury service be opened up to all citizens aged 21 and above, rather than limited to public servants.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, June 20, Justice Ackaah-Boafo said Ghana’s jury system remains a valuable tool for ensuring fair trials but suffers from a narrow and outdated pool of eligible jurors.
“The idea is that your peers listen to your case and rule on it. That’s why the system is important,” he stated. “But we need to broaden participation beyond public servants.”
District Assemblies as Anchors for Jury Selection
Justice Ackaah-Boafo proposed the establishment of a district-based nomination process, where jurors could be drawn from all walks of life, improving diversity and community representation.
“Can we have a system where every Ghanaian above 21 can be nominated to serve as a juror at the district assembly?” he asked. “When the pool is enlarged, you’ll have many people willing to serve, and it’s one way of enriching the system.”
This, he argued, would not only make the system more representative, but also decrease delays in criminal trials, a common concern in Ghana’s justice delivery.
Addressing Trial Delays and Case Backlogs
Citing current inefficiencies, Justice Ackaah-Boafo noted that many criminal cases linger in the system for years, partly due to limited availability of jurors.
“We must have a system where criminal matters are something we can complete timeously. We shouldn’t be trying cases from 2022 in 2025,” he lamented.
He believes that an expanded and inclusive jury pool could support day-to-day trials, helping courts work faster and more efficiently.
A Reform-Minded Judiciary?
Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s comments reflect a growing wave of judicial reform advocacy among recently nominated justices. His call joins other reform proposals made during the ongoing Supreme Court vetting process, including the adoption of AI tools, virtual courtrooms, and improved access to legal aid.
If confirmed, Justice Ackaah-Boafo is expected to be a strong voice for procedural efficiency and public inclusion within Ghana’s highest court.
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