Thalia Clerveau is a 3L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She files this dispatch from Accra. This is the first in a seasonal series of columns by JURIST law student staff and correspondents discussing their summer work in support of justice, human rights and the rule of law, in their own countries and around the world.  

This summer I have the unique opportunity to study and work in Ghana as a law clerk at the Ghanaian Supreme Court. I have been in this beautiful country for three weeks and I’ve already learned so much. Ghana has one of the world’s leading emerging economies, evident from the numerous new developments throughout the capital city, Accra, where I’m working. In 2019, Ghana launched the “Year of Return” campaign aimed at putting the country on the map as a go-to travel destination, particularly for the African Diaspora. The launch was meant to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved people were brought to Jamestown, Virginia. The campaign has proven successful, as many people of African descent find themselves back on the continent every year during “Detty December” a time during the holiday season when the country hosts festivals and concerts. Before coming to Ghana, I spent months scouring social media looking for the best restaurants, clubs, and beaches. I even made a “Ghana folder” to keep track of the places I needed to visit before concluding my trip. Thus far, my list has not disappointed. From the beautiful beaches to the nightlife, Ghana’s entertainment scene is vibrant, making it difficult not to have a good time.

However, as I settled into my routine of attending classes and working during the weekdays, I quickly realized that living in a country with an emerging economy greatly differs from simply vacationing there for a short period. As I sorted out housing and grocery shopping, I was exposed to experiences where I faced difficult questions that pushed me to reshape my worldview.

In my opinion, the true measure of a country lies not in its GDP, but rather in how it treats its most marginalized and historically oppressed citizens. Of course, by this standard, you don’t need to look past 125^th Street in Harlem or downtown Pittsburgh to recognize that the United States has a lot of work to do, but that’s a topic for a different article. Many Ghanaians make a living by selling goods and services. Throughout the day, you’ll find these sellers on the street selling anything from food to books. You’ll also find disabled people and young children panhandling. Children, often times young girls, that look to be no older than eight years old knock on the windows of travelers stuck in the city’s notorious traffic jams. Sometimes, they approach empty-handed, while other times they hold small boxes containing cotton swabs for sale—a potential glimpse into their future should they continue without access to education.

In this short series of articles, I do not seek to present myself as an expert on Ghana and its economy. Instead, my goal over the coming weeks is to approach these new experiences as a student and share my observations along the way. Emerging economies are complex and require thorough examination within the context of chattel slavery, colonization, and Western exploitation. I am committed to keeping these historical factors in mind, particularly as I embark on my internship, and aim to foster a greater understanding of Ghana’s economic and legal landscape.

As for my Ghanaian Supreme Court internship, I have the privilege of working under Chief Justice Torkornoo. In her position, Chief Justice Torkornoo ranks as the fourth most authoritative figure in Ghana, following the president, vice president, and the Speaker of Parliament.

As the incoming Chief Justice, Judge Torkornoo made a firm commitment to introduce E-Justice to the Ghanaian judiciary. E-Justice aims to enhance transparency and efficiency within the judicial system by leveraging information and communication technology. Integrating E-Justice in a country like Ghana, with its emerging economy, presents numerous challenges. However, the mission is a worthy one, considering the immense benefits this undertaking will have for Ghanaians seeking legal remedies.

Ghana is poised to be a leading country in terms of economic advancement over the next decade. Between 2017 and 2019, Ghana’s GDP showed an average growth rate of approximately 6%. However, it is important to consider factors beyond GDP alone when analyzing the country’s progress. Ghana has seen much success in reducing poverty and enhancing access to crucial services such as healthcare and education. Given Ghana’s abundant natural resources, including gold, cocoa, and oil, there is immense potential for continued economic growth. With the continued implementation of sound policies, Ghana is likely to sustain its upward trajectory in the years to come.