Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Ghana
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney-General of Ghana, has emphasized the urgent need for a National Crime Detection College to enhance the capabilities of investigators and improve the country’s criminal justice system. His remarks were made during the First Annual Law Union Conference at the Central University, Faculty of Law, where he highlighted several challenges facing the current system.
Ghana’s criminal justice system is struggling to keep up with the rising number of crimes and wrongdoings. Dr. Srem-Sai pointed out that the system is overburdened and under-equipped, lacking the institutional capacity to handle complex economic and organized crimes effectively. He noted that while the Police Training College provides basic knowledge of evidence gathering, its curriculum primarily focuses on violent crimes such as murder and threats against individuals. This leaves a significant gap in addressing economic and corruption-related offenses.
“This lack of focus on economic crimes means we are not ready to investigate very complex cases from scratch,” Dr. Srem-Sai stated. To address this issue, he recommended the establishment of a National Crime Detection College. This institution would aim to build local expertise in advanced investigation techniques and crime detection, ultimately strengthening the overall effectiveness of the justice system.
In addition to creating a dedicated college, Dr. Srem-Sai proposed the introduction of lawyer-led or attorney-led investigation proceedings. He explained that involving lawyers from the beginning of investigations could save time, protect human rights, and ensure that only admissible evidence is collected. “In advanced countries, this concept is known as attorney-led investigation,” he said. “Instead of non-lawyers collecting evidence for lawyers to review later, the lawyer is involved from the start, which saves time, resources, and most importantly, protects human rights.”
Dr. Srem-Sai also pointed out that major investigative bodies in Ghana, including the Criminal Investigation Department, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the National Investigation Bureau, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, have very few lawyers and trained investigators. He argued that establishing a national crime detection college and adopting lawyer-led investigations would significantly improve accountability and the administration of justice.
Ethical Foundations of Legal Education
Professor Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Vice-Chancellor of Central University, expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Deputy Attorney-General, other speakers, organizers, and participants at the conference. He emphasized that the event served as a reminder of the importance of ethics in legal education, stating that it is not an optional course but the foundation of the profession.
The conference addressed several critical issues, including attorney-led investigations, the student-lecturer ratio, and effective leadership, all of which influence the quality of legal education. Prof. Dartey-Baah stressed the importance of strong connections with the industry and experience-based learning in legal training. He highlighted the significance of internships, which bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice.
He also called for legal training to go beyond the mere pursuit of knowledge and focus on cultivating conscience. “A student who lays integrity in the classroom will one day defend justice in the courtroom,” he said.
The Path Forward
The discussions at the conference underscored the need for systemic reforms in both the criminal justice system and legal education. Establishing a National Crime Detection College and implementing lawyer-led investigations could be pivotal steps toward ensuring a more robust and fair justice system in Ghana.
Moreover, integrating ethical training and practical experience into legal education will help produce professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also committed to upholding justice and human rights. As Ghana continues to face evolving challenges in crime and governance, these initiatives could play a crucial role in shaping a more accountable and effective legal framework.