Ghana shines in 2012 global Rule of Law Index
Ghana made some strong performances in the 2012 global rule of law index released November 29, 2012 by Washington-based body, World Justice Project (WJ).
The WJP Rule of Law Index 2012 looks at 48 rule of law indicators organized around nine conceptual dimensions: limited government powers; absence of corruption; order and security; fundamental rights; open government; regulatory enforcement; civil justice; criminal justice; and informal justice.
The goal of the WJP is to advance the rule of law around the world.
The Index ranked 97 countries worldwide in the nine conceptual dimensions.
In its report, the WJP said Ghana was the strongest performer among the surveyed low-income countries in most dimensions.
According to the report, Ghana has strong protections for fundamental rights ranking 29th overall and first in sub-Sahara Africa.
It noted that Ghana has a functioning system of checks and balances where the country ranked 23rd and second in the region, and an open government (ranking 30th overall and third in the region).
Even though administrative efficiency and corruption are challenges faced by Ghana, the country, according to the report, “outperforms most of its regional peers in both dimensions.”
The civil justice system is relatively independent, but slow and inaccessible to most people, it indicated.
Security from crime where the country ranked 61st, vigilante justice, and deficiencies in the criminal investigation and adjudication systems, are areas that require attention, the WJP said.
The Ghana survey was done in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale.
By Ekow Quandzie