The judiciary is an important arm of government which plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
It is headed by the Chief Justice, who oversees the administration of justice, interpretation of the constitution, and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.' The Chief Justice is also the fourth highest officer in the country. Since attaining independence, the country has had a succession of remarkable and distinguished individuals who have served in this capacity, contributing to the legal and constitutional development of the country.
Here is the chronological list of 12 males and 3 females who have served as Chief Justices in Ghana since 1957: Sir Arku Korsah Sir Kobina Arku Korsah was the first African Chief Justice of the Gold Coast.
He was the first Ghanaian alongside Nana Sir Ofori-Atta I to be appointed as members of the Governor's Executive Council.After the Kulungugu attack on former President Dr Kwame Nkrumah in August 1962, he presided over the trial of five defendants. At the end of that trial, three of the accused were found not guilty and this reportedly displeased the Nkrumah government leading to his removal in December 1963. Julius Sarkodie-Addo Julius Sarkodee-Adoo was the second Chief Justice of Ghana during the First Republic.
