The Domestic Protection of the Rights of Child Witnesses and Victims in Ghana's Criminal Justice System

Childhood is universally seen as a period of nurturing, but this can be disrupted by crime, especially when children are victims or witnesses of offences like sexual abuse. While child testimony is often essential for securing convictions, the trauma associated with legal proceedings creates significant challenges. In Ghana, the Children's Act 1998 and the Juvenile Justice Act 2003 offer some protection, but they do not fully address the specific rights of child victims and witnesses. This article analyses the legal framework for the protection of child witnesses in Ghana, exploring its shortcomings, particularly the common law rules on corroboration, hearsay, and cross-examination. It also highlights gaps regarding privacy, medical care, and emotional support of child witnesses and victims and suggests reforms to improve their protection and support in the criminal justice system.