Public perception of judicial independence in Ghana a case of Asikuma Odoben-Brakwa District in the Central Region

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing public perceptions of judicial independence and their impact on trust in legal outcomes and justice delivery in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District. This study specifically sought to assess public awareness of judicial independence, measure levels of trust in the judiciary, identify perceived challenges to judicial independence, and examine how these perceptions influence trust in court decisions. Judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy, yet public trust in the judiciary is often shaped by various socio-political and economic factors. A review of existing literature highlights how judicial independence is perceived differently across contexts, with factors such as political influence, economic status, and legal awareness playing key roles. The study adopted a mixedmethod approach, employing an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, which involved collecting and analyzing quantitative data first, followed by qualitative data to provide deeper insights. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample population, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with judicial personnel and selected community members. The main findings indicate that age and employment status do not significantly influence perceptions of judicial independence, while education level shows a borderline significance. However, income level has a statistically significant impact on public perceptions, suggesting that lower-income individuals perceive the judiciary as less independent. Qualitative findings further reveal concerns about political interference, resource constraints, and inconsistencies in legal processes as key issues affecting trust in the judiciary. This study is justified by the limited district-level empirical evidence on public perceptions of judicial independence in Ghana. By focusing on a specific local context, the research contributes to bridging the gap between national constitutional guarantees and grassroots perceptions, thereby enriching scholarly discourse and informing policy reforms aimed at strengthening judicial legitimacy. The study concludes that strengthening judicial transparency, improving legal education, and addressing socioeconomic disparities are essential for enhancing public trust in judicial independence. Recommendations include policy reforms to safeguard judicial autonomy, public sensitization on legal rights, and institutional efforts to reduce political influence in the judiciary.