Supreme Court judge backs live-streaming of selected proceedings
He said the courts are already public forums, but technology could further improve transparency and help build confidence in the justice system.
A Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo, says Ghana should begin considering the live-streaming of selected Supreme Court proceedings to make the work of the judiciary more accessible to the public.
He said the courts are already public forums, but technology could further improve transparency and help build confidence in the justice system.
Justice Ackah-Boafo made the comments on JoyNews’ The Law on Sunday, July 12, during discussions marking the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court.
According to him, live broadcasts of some oral arguments, especially in major constitutional and appellate matters, could help citizens better understand how the apex court works.
“I think that yes, the time has come for us to have maybe live broadcasts of some of these oral arguments,” he said.
He, however, stressed that any such move would require proper planning, funding and infrastructure.
Justice Ackah-Boafo noted that although many Ghanaians still refer to the live broadcast of the 2012 presidential election petition as a strong example of judicial openness, live-streaming should not be treated as a simple matter of placing cameras in courtrooms.
He said countries have adopted different models to balance transparency with the dignity and seriousness of court proceedings.
Using the United States Supreme Court as an example, he explained that it does not provide live video coverage but allows the public to follow proceedings through audio and later access transcripts.
“In the United States Supreme Court, they don't show live. They give you audio recording or audio live streaming, so you can listen to the argument by audio. And when they are done, you'll see the transcript online,” he said.
He added that Canada and the United Kingdom also stream court proceedings, but usually through official court platforms rather than free-to-air television.
“The Canadians have live streaming, but it's not on national television. It's on a system they call CPAC… and the UK has something similar, also not on terrestrial television, but on the court's website,” he stated.
Justice Ackah-Boafo said Ghana could learn from these examples and develop its own approach.
He suggested that selected Supreme Court proceedings could be streamed through an official website or digital platform.
But he said this would require investment in equipment and systems capable of supporting reliable live coverage.
“If we are to have a website, a webcam that can stream live, that will bring in the money and financial issue,” he noted.
Beyond funding, he also pointed to the workload of the Supreme Court as another practical challenge.
Justice Ackah-Boafo explained that courts in other jurisdictions may hear fewer cases a day and allow lawyers longer periods for oral submissions.
In Ghana, however, the Supreme Court often deals with a heavy docket, limiting the time available for extended advocacy in open court.
“The workload has also prevented the opportunity for counsel to be on their feet,” he said.
He observed that where the court is handling many cases in a day, long oral arguments could affect the time judges need to work on matters in chambers.
“If the Supreme Court is assessing 18 dockets a day… what time do you have to do the real work in chambers?” he asked.
Justice Ackah-Boafo also acknowledged concerns that live coverage could encourage some lawyers to perform for public attention instead of focusing on legal arguments.
“In our jurisdiction, people play to the gallery,” he said.
He recalled instances where some lawyers appeared more interested in impressing clients or the public than addressing the court directly on the law.
Despite these concerns, Justice Ackah-Boafo maintained that live-streaming selected proceedings remains worth considering.
He said if the necessary financial and technical resources are available, Ghana should make room for the public to follow some Supreme Court proceedings live.
“If we have the financial means, which we don't, we should have the opportunity of live streaming some of these,” he said.
