A Supreme Court Judge, Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, has called for a transformation of Ghana’s Judiciary to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world of crime and justice.
Delivering a keynote address—read on his behalf by Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo—at the opening of a two-day training workshop on international judicial cooperation, Justice Amadu emphasized the urgent need for the Judiciary to adapt its knowledge, orientation, and strategies to address complex global challenges such as cybercrime, terrorism, corruption, and human trafficking.
“The threats we face today transcend national borders. Our response must equally be global. This requires not just deeper legal knowledge, but a shift in mindset, greater collaboration, and strategic thinking,” he noted.
Justice Amadu, who also serves as Director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), said the training was a timely and transformative initiative, positioning Ghana’s legal system for global engagement. He described the programme as a “powerful and necessary response” to the growing demands on justice systems worldwide.
Organised by Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa, Italy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, JTI, and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the training brought together selected High Court, Circuit Court, and Magistrate judges to deepen their understanding of cross-border judicial collaboration.
The programme aims to enhance judicial competencies in areas such as mutual legal assistance, extradition, and best practices for handling transnational crime, aligning Ghana’s judicial practices with international legal standards.
“This is more than a training session; it is a moment for reflection—an opportunity to redefine our role in global justice,” Justice Amadu stated.
He urged judges to embrace the programme as a chance to recommit to justice without borders.
Dr. Mira Benucci, representing Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, highlighted the university’s long-standing contributions to legal training across Africa, having trained over 12,000 professionals worldwide.
She said Ghana was the first beneficiary of the programme this year, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership between Ghana and Italy.
“We are delighted to bring this training to Ghana and look forward to a lasting relationship between our two nations,” Dr. Benucci said.
She encouraged participants to engage actively in the sessions and share experiences, noting that the collaborative approach would build resilience and sharpen legal responses to international challenges.
The sessions will also explore the workings of the International Criminal Court, key UN conventions on transnational crimes and corruption, and models for regional cooperation in legal enforcement.
Representatives of the Italian delegation commended Ghana’s Ministry of Justice and the Judicial Training Institute for their commitment to legal advancement.
They expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen the continent’s capacity for international justice.
“Together, we can forge a stronger, more connected legal community—one that defends justice, upholds human rights, and maintains the rule of law across borders,” a representative concluded.
