Legal System of Ghana
Ghana is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in western africa, bordering the gulf of guinea, between cote d’ivoire and togo. The country achieved independence on 6 march 1957 (from the uk). The capital is Accra.
Government Overview
Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025) Head of Government: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025) Cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president, approved by Parliament Administrative Divisions: 16 regions; Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, North East, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western, Western North National Holiday: Independence Day, 6 March (1957) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Ghana is described as mixed system of English common law and customary law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest drafted 31 March 1992, approved and promulgated 28 April 1992, entered into force 7 January 1993 Amendment Process: proposed by Parliament; consideration requires prior referral to the Council of State, a body of prominent citizens who advise the president of the republic; passage of amendments to “entrenched” constitutional articles (including those on national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the branches of government, and amendment procedures) requires approval in a referendum by at least 40% participation of eligible voters and at least 75% of votes cast, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and assent of the president; amendments to non-entrenched articles do not require referenda
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 justices) Judge Selection: chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70 Subordinate Courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral
Citizenship and Suffrage
Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Ghana Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in natural resources and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa. Ghana has been inhabited for at least several thousand years, but little is known about its early inhabitants. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern Ghana, and it became the genesis of the Akan people's power and wealth in the region.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Ghana based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.