By Deputy Attorney-General Diana Asonaba Dapaah has advocated for a re-evaluation of the jury system to improve the administration of justice. She highlighted that in Ghana, some jurors may serve for up to 13 years or longer.
During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, she disclosed the existence of a bill in parliament that addresses the challenges encountered in criminal trials involving juries, taking a comprehensive approach to the issue.
The bill aims to shorten the duration of jury trials and provides guidance on how to proceed in cases where a juror is unable to fulfill their duty, among other provisions.
“I believe that we have to be true to ourselves, this juror system, perhaps we need to take a second look at it, whether the whole system or partially. I believe that some delays (in cases) come from the trial by jury system.”
“So with the need to look at it holistically and solicit ideas on how we can make it effective, I believe that it would be a good chance for expediting trial within the criminal justice system,” the Deputy Attorney General said.
She stressed the importance of sensitizing jurors to ensure that their actions do not impede the judicial system, emphasizing that any interference with the justice system by jurors will be addressed appropriately.
Her remarks follow a press conference by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on April 8, where she outlined plans to enhance the judiciary and prioritize ethical work models in her administration.
Among other initiatives, the Chief Justice urged the government to allocate additional resources to improve the judiciary system.
According to her, the current administrative work of the judiciary is a manual system which delays its operations. However, the entire system can be digitalised with proper investments.
Read More: Chief Justice calls for increased budget allocation
Speaking at a press conference on April 8, she said this would allow the judiciary to be more accountable to the Ghanaian public by publishing real-time judgments.
“There is a need for the judiciary to make itself accountable by increasing transparency in the process and output of our judgments and decisions through real-time publications of decisions, especially when it comes to decisions on land ownership and other areas of law that affect the economy and social stability of a country,” she said.
