Chief Justice of Ghana - Historical Background

Historical Background

The Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876 ended the 10 year absence of a Supreme Court, establishing a Supreme Court of Judicature for the Gold Coast Colony. The court consisted of the Chief Justice and not more than four puisne judges. This led to the appointment of the first Chief Justice, Sir David Patrick Chambers by the British colonial authorities in 1876. The nature of the office of Chief Justice evolved with the years. The 1954 Gold Coast constitution provided for the Chief Justice to be appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister while other judges and judicial officers were appointed on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. Under the 1957 Ghana constitution, on the attainment of independence, the Chief Justice and all superior justices were appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister as the Judicial Service Commission was abolished. Sir Kobina Arku Korsah became the first Ghanaian Chief Justice. Under the 1969 constitution, the Chief Justice was appointed by the President acting in consultation with the Council of State. The office has not changed much since the 1979 constitution though the court system underwent a lot of changes under various military governments between 1972 and 1993.