Ghana’s Supreme Court at 150: Justice Adjei-Frimpong Highlights Evolution and Democratic Role

As Ghana prepares to commemorate 150 years of its apex judicial body, the Supreme Court of Ghana, a Justice of the Court, Richard Adjei-Frimpong, has underscored the institution’s transformation from a colonial-era tribunal into a cornerstone of constitutional governance and democratic stability.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary celebrations, Justice Adjei-Frimpong, who chairs the planning committee, described the milestone as a moment for both reflection and forward planning. He traced the court’s origins to 1876 during British colonial rule, when it operated primarily as a combined High Court and court of first instance, with final appeals determined externally by bodies such as the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

According to him, the court attained full apex status under the 1960 Constitution of Ghana, marking a critical turning point in its development. He noted that the most significant evolution came with the introduction of judicial review powers, which positioned the court as a defender of the constitution, protector of human rights, and a key driver of constitutional democracy.

Justice Adjei-Frimpong outlined three distinct phases in the court’s history: its early role as a basic adjudicatory body, periods of disruption during military regimes when the court was at times dissolved, and its current phase as a strengthened constitutional institution under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Despite episodes of political instability, particularly under military rule, he emphasized the resilience of Ghana’s judiciary. He noted that while the Supreme Court faced challenges, lower courts often remained operational and, in some instances, resisted attempts to undermine judicial independence.

The Justice further highlighted the court’s growing impact on governance through landmark rulings that have expanded access to constitutional justice and reinforced accountability in public office appointments.

Addressing public concerns over perceived partisanship, Justice Adjei-Frimpong explained that as a policy court, certain decisions may appear aligned with government positions without indicating bias. He pointed to established safeguards, including judicial codes of conduct, disciplinary mechanisms, and internal deliberative processes, as measures that uphold fairness and independence.

On the anniversary programme, he announced a series of nationwide activities, including public lectures, legal outreach initiatives, and a gathering of jurists from across Africa. Other events will include sporting activities, a grand durbar, and a thanksgiving service.

The official launch is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at the CEDI Conference Centre of the University of Ghana, Legon. Justice Adjei-Frimpong called on Ghanaians to actively participate, emphasizing that the celebration belongs to the people.

The anniversary is being marked under the theme: “Supreme Court at 150: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Defining the Future.”