Recent incidents of violence in some high schools across Ghana have renewed public concern about how young people come into contact with the law. These events highlight the urgent need for accessible education on juvenile justice and practical guidance for schools, parents and communities.

Criminal Law Blog Ghana is therefore excited to announce the release of our new e-book, Children and the Criminal Justice System in Ghana: Know Their Rights, Know Your Role. This publication provides an accessible guide to how Ghana’s juvenile justice system works in practice. Drawing from law, policy and advocacy, this free resource explores:

• The rights of children in Ghana.
• The restorative approach of the Juvenile Justice Act of Ghana.
• The process of dealing with a child who gets into trouble with the law.
• The role of the police, prosecutors and courts in cases involving children.
• Practical recommendations for justice actors, schools and communities.

Collaboration:

This publication is in collaboration with Reduce Recidivism Ghana, a youth-led initiative committed to supporting the reformation and reintegration of juveniles in correctional centers in Ghana. Their dedication to transforming the juvenile justice system through advocacy and vocational education has been a driving force behind this work. We are especially grateful for their contribution of the Foreword, which frames the e-book within the broader fight for protecting the rights of vulnerable children in Ghana. Their commitment continues to shape national conversations on juvenile justice. We urge you to support their good work.

Special features of the e-book:

• Practical Guide: The e-book is not just for public educational purposes. It is intended to serve as a guide for the handling of children who come into contact with the law. This resource is an asset to the police, schools, parents and communities. In simple and concise language, the e-book outlines the juvenile justice process from suspicion to arrest, the trial process, corrections and return to society.
• Expert Reviewed: Edited and reviewed by a sitting Juvenile Court Judge and a State Prosecutor with hands-on experience in juvenile cases.
• Glossary: Breaks down legal words into plain, everyday language. This helps readers, whether children, teachers, or parents, to understand the exact meaning of terms used in Ghana’s juvenile justice process.
• Quick FAQs: Provides immediate answers to urgent questions.
• Where to Get Help: Directs readers to support services and institutions that assist with criminal matters concerning children. A quick description, clickable website addresses and contact details are provided.
• Accessible Design: Easy to read even for older children, with links in the Table of Contents for quick navigation.

Download the e-book below:

We encourage you to read, share, and use this free resource. By deepening understanding of Ghana’s juvenile justice system, we can all contribute to building a system that prioritizes rehabilitation, dignity, and hope for our children.

We also welcome comments, questions, and feedback from our readers. Your insights are valuable, and we are open to suggestions on what details you would like to see featured in similar projects in the future.

Thank you for supporting this initiative.