Ghana’s justice system was built on the promise of equality before the law. Yet, in practice, it appears to favour those with wealth, power, and influence, leaving the poor to face the harsh realities of a system that rarely bends in their favour. The divide between privilege and poverty in accessing justice continues to widen, raising deep concerns about fairness and the rule of law.
For many ordinary Ghanaians, justice remains an expensive dream. Legal fees, court costs, and lengthy procedures make it almost impossible for low-income citizens to pursue their rights. When the poor are accused, cases move swiftly toward conviction; when the rich are involved, the same system becomes slow, cautious, and often inconclusive. This imbalance has created a justice system that seems to protect wealth rather than truth.
The inability of the poor to afford legal representation means many face court without adequate defense. Some are convicted on technicalities they barely understand, while others endure drawn-out trials that drain their limited resources. In the eyes of the ordinary citizen, justice has become a luxury reserved for those who can pay for it.
The Legal Aid Commission, tasked with ensuring access to justice for all, continues to struggle with inadequate funding, limited personnel, and logistical challenges. In several regions, legal aid offices are either non-existent or inactive, leaving citizens in remote communities completely unprotected. The system, by its current design, makes fairness conditional on location and income.
Court delays add another layer of injustice. Hearings are postponed indefinitely, and administrative lapses lead to files going missing or cases forgotten. Such inefficiencies not only frustrate complainants and defendants alike but also embolden the privileged to manipulate the process in their favour. Justice delayed, in such cases, becomes justice denied.
Corruption further taints the credibility of the system. Allegations of favoritism, bribery, and political interference have weakened public confidence in the courts. Many believe that verdicts can be influenced behind closed doors, turning justice into a commodity for sale. This perception alone erodes the moral foundation upon which the law should stand.
Law enforcement practices also expose the class divide. Street vendors, labourers, and the unemployed are often targeted for minor offences, while individuals with connections or status are treated with caution, if not outright immunity. Such selective application of the law reinforces social inequality and breeds resentment among citizens.
The danger of this imbalance cannot be overstated. When people lose trust in formal justice, they turn to alternative means — mob justice, self-defense groups, or silent endurance. These responses, though born of frustration, only deepen the cycle of lawlessness and insecurity. A society that cannot guarantee equal justice is a society on the brink of moral collapse.
To restore public confidence, systemic reforms are urgently needed. Adequate funding for legal aid, improved monitoring of court processes, and stronger accountability for judicial officers must be prioritized. Transparency and fairness should guide every aspect of the justice system, from arrest to verdict.
Justice in Ghana must cease to be a privilege of class and return to its rightful place as a universal right. Until the scales of justice are balanced for both the rich and the poor, the system will continue to fail the very people it was designed to serve. True democracy cannot thrive where justice is for sale — and fairness depends on one’s pocket.
