ACCRA – Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo, a nominee for the Supreme Court, told Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday that significant financial investment will be required for comprehensive judicial reforms in Ghana. She emphasized that such reforms must include extensive infrastructure development across the nation, citing the need for advancements like an e-justice system, similar to those in countries like Kenya, despite numerous changes in the judicial system over her 28 years of service.
During her vetting, Justice Bartels-Kodwo also offered solutions to decongest the country’s prisons, advocating for greater use of non-custodial sentences, which include alternatives to imprisonment such as fines, community service, or probation. Additionally, she suggested the construction of more correctional facilities to supplement existing ones. She further stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for judges, asserting that legal education should not cease at their entry into the judiciary, and urged the government and corporate entities to establish more libraries to provide essential resources for judges, noting the high cost of legal books and inconsistent book allowances.
Responding to questions on constitutional matters, the nominee affirmed that Article 66 of the Constitution, which limits a person to two terms for the presidency, holds no ambiguity. She also addressed queries concerning the role of women in the judiciary and the strengthening of lower courts to alleviate pressure on the Supreme Court, indicating a holistic view of the justice system’s challenges and potential improvements.
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