Citizen Petitions Chief Justice to Probe Adenta Court, Calls for Reforms in Ghana's Justice System

Accra, July 10, 2026 – A Ghanaian citizen and Founder and President of Save the Nation For Future Leaders, Mr. Kwadwo Atta Apeakorang, has submitted a formal petition to the Chief Justice, His Lordship, seeking an independent investigation into the operations of the Adenta District Court and broader reforms within Ghana's justice delivery system.

In the petition dated July 6, 2026, Mr. Apeakorang expressed concern over what he described as a gradual erosion of public confidence in parts of the country's judicial system. He noted that increasing reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, procedural frustrations and unnecessary delays in some courts have created the perception that justice is becoming inaccessible to many citizens.

According to him, while such allegations must be thoroughly investigated before any conclusions are drawn, they nonetheless require urgent institutional attention because public trust is fundamental to the effective administration of justice.

Mr. Apeakorang stated that the Adenta District Court, in particular, has attracted numerous complaints from sections of the public regarding the manner in which justice is perceived to be administered. He indicated that his own recent experience before the court also influenced his decision to formally petition the Chief Justice.

He is therefore requesting the Judicial Service to institute an independent investigation into the operations, procedures and administration of justice at the Adenta District Court to determine whether its practices conform to the constitutional principles of fairness, impartiality, transparency and natural justice. He further urged that any administrative or ethical shortcomings identified should be addressed through appropriate corrective measures.

The petitioner recalled that his advocacy for judicial reforms dates back to 2019 when he petitioned Parliament to enact legislation establishing reasonable timelines for the disposal of court cases, arguing that prolonged litigation undermines public confidence in the Judiciary.

He also highlighted his previous petitions to state institutions on matters relating to justice and national security, including calls for investigations into the killing of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale and the murder of former Member of Parliament Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu.

Beyond the investigation, Mr. Apeakorang proposed broader reforms, including the introduction of multidisciplinary support in matrimonial and child-related cases through greater involvement of marriage counsellors, child psychologists, family therapists and child welfare professionals to ensure decisions adequately safeguard the welfare of children.

He further recommended the establishment of an independent judicial performance and courtroom observation mechanism to monitor courtroom proceedings, receive complaints from court users, assess compliance with judicial ethics and professional standards, and identify systemic weaknesses requiring administrative intervention.

Among the key reliefs sought are an independent investigation into the Adenta District Court, strengthened oversight mechanisms to enhance accountability while preserving judicial independence, reforms to improve public confidence in the Judiciary, and consideration of specialised professional support in family-related proceedings.

Mr. Apeakorang stressed that the Judiciary remains the last hope of the ordinary Ghanaian and called for sustained efforts to protect public confidence in the administration of justice. He expressed his readiness to provide additional information, documentation or testimony to support any investigations the Chief Justice may consider appropriate.

Copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the National Security Coordinator, the Director of Public Affairs at Parliament, and the Director-General of the Bureau of National Investigations.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare