SC@150: Decentralise Supreme Court, Integrate AI To Bridge Customary-Modern Law Gap- Manhyia Museum Director to CJ

The Director of the Manhyia Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah, has called for the decentralisation of Ghana’s courts, including the Supreme Court, and investment in artificial intelligence to improve justice delivery.

At the Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary lecture, Mr Agyeman-Dua said the judiciary must evolve to address capacity gaps between customary and statutory law.

On the issue of decentralisation, Mr Agyeman-Duah said this must include the Supreme Court.

He argued that taking justice closer to the people would improve access and reduce the burden on the central courts in Accra.

Mr Agyeman-Duah further recommended investment in technology infrastructure for the courts.

He said the age of Artificial Intelligence “has added up to the nature of our beings” and the judiciary must adapt accordingly.

He thus suggested that the adoption of AI and other digital tools could modernise case management, records, and access to justice.

The Manhyia Museum Director also raised concerns about the gap between traditional authority and the formal court system.

He noted that the National House of Chiefs does not currently have the high-level capacity to fully understand and articulate the numerous customs and traditional laws across the country.

At the same time, he said the highest court tends to prefer common law in its judgments.

“In that context, what bridges can be constructed?” he asked, urging stakeholders to find mechanisms that allow customary law to be better understood and integrated into judicial decision-making.

The historian said such reforms are needed to build on 150 years of judicial progress.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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