In a year filled with drama in every sector, the courts became the stage for some of the most interesting stories—political intrigue, high-stakes corruption trials, and landmark rulings that shook the nation.
From intense courtroom exchanges to judgments that redefined legal precedents, the judiciary proved once again that the wheels of justice turn steadily, even under immense scrutiny. Here are some cases that dominated headlines and sparked nationwide conversations.
SPOUSAL SALARIES
In April, the apex court ruled unanimously that Parliament’s decision to pay salaries to wives of the President and Vice President was unconstitutional. In two separate suits filed by MP for South Dayi Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor and NPP Bono regional chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, the Supreme Court held that the offices of the wives of the President and his wife were not Article 71 office holders under the 1992 Constitution.
VACANT SEATS SAGA
Another case that tested the resolve of the highest court of the land was that of parliamentary seats of four MPs declared vacant by the Speaker after they decided to go independent.
A seven-member panel of justices, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, delivered a 5-2 majority decision in favour of Majority leader Afenyo-Markin who had filed a suit challenging the Speaker’s declaration.
The Supreme Court had previously issued an interim injunction to prevent the implementation of the Speaker’s ruling. Speaker Bagbin filed a counter-application in response, arguing that parliamentary decisions are beyond the judiciary’s reach, as they pertain to non-judicial matters.
AMBULANCE PURCHASE TRIAL
After two years of fighting his case at the High Court, former Deputy Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson was acquitted and discharged by the Court of Appeal.
The minority leader together with two others, Dr Sylvester Anemana and Richard Jakpa a businessman had been charged with causing 2.37 euros financial loss to the state in an ambulance purchase deal.
The High Court in March 2023 had ordered Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to open his defence after ruling that the prosecution had established enough evidence against him and the two accused persons.
But in a 2:1 majority decision on July 30, 2024 held that enough evidence was not provided by the prosecution to warrant him to open his defence.
ANTI-LGBTQ BILL
In a landmark ruling, the apex court unanimously dismissed two cases filed by a journalist and a researcher against the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Richard Dela Sky and Dr Amanda Odoi filed suits challenging the constitutionality of the anti-gay bill describing it as one that infringes on the rights of Ghanaians. The suit also indicated that the bill failed to go through approved parliamentary due process.
But a 7-member panel led by Justice Avril Lovelace Johnson described the suits as premature since the bill had not yet become law.
The Supreme Court’s decision paves the way for the president to assent to the bill to become law much to the chagrin of human rights advocates.
MAJOR MAXWELL MAHAMA MURDER TRIAL
The High Court saw most of the cases that made the headlines in the country.
In January, aggrieved family members of slain Major Maxwell Adam Mahama got some form of reprieve after a 7-member jury found 12 accused persons guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
The trial which spanned 7 years concluded as they were subsequently jailed for life. Two persons, Bismark Donkor and Bismark Abanga, however, stepped out as free men.
The mother of the victim was overcome with emotions.
COUP PLOTTERS TRIAL
Six Ghanaians, including three soldiers, were sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in a coup plot in April 2021.
The trial, which was the first since 1996 when the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown also saw the acquittal of Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli and one other junior military officer, Corporal Seidu Abubakar.
They all pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit high treason and committing high treason.
KASOA RITUAL MURDER CASE
The gruesome murder of a 10-year-old boy by his friends for money rituals at Kasoa sent shivers down the spine of many, especially parents across the country.
The two teenagers, 18 and 15 years respectively, were found guilty on two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and the substantive charge of murder by a seven-member jury whose decision was unanimous.
18-year-old, Nicholas Kini, was sentenced to life in prison for the offence which was committed in 2021. Sentencing of the 15-year-old was, however deferred to the juvenile court in line with section 18(1), Juvenile Justice Act 2003 Act (ACT 653).
JB DANKWA MURDER TRIAL
Another murder case, this time involving the former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North, Joseph Boakye Danquah concluded after 8 years of court proceedings.
Daniel Asiedu also known as Sexy Don Don who had been slapped with charges of robbery and killing of the late MP was found not guilty by a 7-member jury in a 4-3 decision.
The split decision forced the presiding judge, to discharge the jury in accordance with Section 285(4) of the Criminal and Other Offenses (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and ordered a retrial of the case.
#STOPGALAMSEYNOW PROTESTERS TRIAL
At the circuit courts, 54 protesters who hit the streets to demonstrate against illegal mining and its effect on the environment and general well-being of Ghanaians were arrested and prosecuted by the state.
After almost 3-months of court hearings, 24 protesters were acquitted and discharged as prosecution did not have enough evidence to proceed.
Convener of the group, Oliver Barker Vormawor called on President-elect, John Mahama to keep his word and drop the charges against him and his comrades.
SALIFU AMOAKO’S SON EAST LEGON ACCIDENT CASE
The family of victims of the East Legon accident which led to the death of two 12-year-old girls are calling for amendment of the Juvenile Justice Act to impose stiffer punishments to minors engaged in heinous crimes.
The family and juvenile court sentenced the 16-year-old son of the leader of Alive Chapel International, Bishop Salifu Amoako to 6months after he pleaded guilty to charges including manslaughter.
