A public call for applications and a merit-based shortlist submitted to the Council of State could soon form the first steps in appointing Ghana’s next Chief Justice, under new proposals submitted to President John Mahama.
The Constitution Review Committee on Monday, December 22, presented its summary report to the President, recommending sweeping changes to how key constitutional offices are filled, including the Chief Justice and the Electoral Commission.
For the Chief Justice, the Committee is proposing a more transparent, competitive, and time-bound appointment process, beginning with a public notice issued by the Judicial Council inviting eligible applicants.
Under the proposed framework, the Judicial Council would receive and review applications, shortlist qualified candidates, and forward the list to the Council of State. The Judicial Committee of the Council of State would then conduct closed-door interviews and, in consultation with the Judicial Council, recommend two or three candidates, ranked by merit.
The President would nominate one person from the shortlist and submit the nomination to Parliament.
Parliament would then vet the nominee publicly and approve the appointment by a simple majority vote. Once approved, the President would formally appoint the nominee as Chief Justice.
The Committee further recommends that any vacancy in the office must be filled within 90 days. If Parliament rejects a nominee, the President would have 10 days to nominate another candidate from the remaining names submitted by the Council of State.
On qualifications, the Committee proposes that a Chief Justice must be a Ghanaian citizen and either a serving Justice of the Supreme Court or a distinguished legal practitioner with at least 15 years’ post-qualification experience at the Bar. The candidate must also have no record of disciplinary sanctions.
Beyond the judiciary, the Committee is also recommending reforms to the appointment of the Electoral Commission. These include public advertisement of vacancies, clear merit benchmarks, the use of Judicial Council scorecards, applications routed through the Judicial Council, and public vetting of nominees.
The proposals are part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
