Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has announced the expansion of Ghana's jury selection process to include all eligible citizens, including individuals from the private sector.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 session of the Criminal Assizes organised by the Judicial Service on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, she explained that the broadened jury list is aimed at strengthening public trust in the judiciary. "We have expanded the jury list to include all citizens qualified by law, including many individuals in the private sector. "Over time, steps will be taken to further expand the pool from which jurors will be selected.
It is our expectation that citizens will increasingly see jury duty as a civic responsibility, and not an inconvenience," she stated.
The Chief Justice also reminded judges of their obligation to enforce Sections 222 to 224 of the Criminal Procedure and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 30), which prescribe penalties for jurors who fail to attend court without valid justification. "In this regard, foremen are respectfully requested to notify all jurors on a panel about attendance well in advance of the court's sitting," she added.
