Ghana's government has proposed a 10-year fixed term for the Chief Justice and a 19-member cap for the Supreme Court. These significant constitutional reforms aim to ensure predictable leadership transitions within the judiciary and enhance the efficiency of the nation's highest court. The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, announced these proposals on July 30, 2026, following the submission of the Constitutional Review Committee's final report to President John Dramani Mahama.
The government supports a constitutional amendment that would allow the Chief Justice to serve a single, non-renewable term of 10 years. This term would conclude either after 10 years or upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, whichever occurs first. This measure seeks to prevent any single individual from holding the top judicial office for an excessively long period, thereby fostering more regular and orderly changes in leadership. The proposal directly addresses concerns about potential indefinite occupancy of the Chief Justice position.
These proposed changes fit into Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and improve governance. Previous constitutional reviews have often highlighted the need for reforms that balance stability with accountability across various arms of government. The judiciary, as a critical pillar of democracy, is a frequent subject of such discussions, particularly regarding its independence and operational effectiveness. This move reflects a broader trend of institutional modernization in Ghana.
Dr. Ayine stated that the government's position is to ensure orderly leadership transitions within the judiciary. He explained that this proposal removes the risk of prolonged or indefinite occupancy of that high office. This statement underscores the government's commitment to a more structured and transparent process for judicial leadership succession, aligning with best practices in many established democracies.
Beyond the Chief Justice's tenure, the government also supports placing a constitutional cap on the size of the Supreme Court. While the Constitutional Review Committee recommended a limit of 15 justices, the government proposes a slightly larger bench of 19 members. This would comprise the Chief Justice and 18 other justices. This cap is designed to improve the Court's operational efficiency and help manage public expenditure associated with a larger judiciary.
The Attorney-General emphasized that a 19-member bench remains sufficiently robust to discharge the Supreme Court's constitutional mandate. This balance between efficiency and capacity is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the judicial system. The government's proposals indicate a strategic approach to judicial reform, focusing on both leadership tenure and structural composition. The next steps will involve parliamentary consideration and public debate on these significant constitutional amendments, which could reshape Ghana's judicial landscape for decades.
These reforms are expected to generate considerable discussion among legal experts, civil society organizations, and the general public. The implications for judicial independence, the balance of power, and the overall administration of justice will be closely scrutinized. Decision-makers will need to carefully weigh the benefits of predictable transitions and efficiency against potential concerns about the impact on judicial autonomy and the quality of jurisprudence. Markets and investors will also observe these changes, as a stable and efficient judicial system is vital for a predictable business environment.