Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Her Ladyship Mabel Agyemang, will retire at the end of March 2026, bringing to a close six years of leadership widely credited with deep institutional reform and modernisation of the territory’s judiciary.
She announced her decision during the ceremonial opening of the 2026 Legal Year, an event that shifted from pageantry to reflection on the impact of her tenure and the transformation of the justice system under her stewardship.
Justice Agyemang was appointed on April 1, 2020, by then Governor Nigel Dakin, assuming office at a time of profound global disruption as the COVID-19 pandemic upended judicial operations worldwide. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, her calm and reform-driven leadership proved pivotal in guiding the courts through the crisis and positioning them for long-term resilience.
Driving Modernisation and Access to Justice
Throughout her tenure, Chief Justice Agyemang prioritised structural and procedural reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility, and service delivery. Under her leadership, the judiciary expanded digital case-tracking systems, introduced virtual and hybrid court sittings, and tackled procedural bottlenecks that had contributed to prolonged delays.
These interventions significantly eased case backlogs and enhanced the delivery of justice across the islands, particularly during periods of restricted physical access to the courts.
Beyond systems and infrastructure, she placed strong emphasis on judicial standards and independence. Continuous professional development for judges and magistrates was strengthened, ethical compliance reinforced, and a culture of professionalism and accountability promoted throughout the court system.
Criminal Justice Reforms
Criminal justice reform was another defining feature of her tenure. Targeted measures were introduced to shorten trial timelines, improve coordination among justice-sector institutions, and strike a balance between constitutional safeguards and public safety. These efforts helped restore public confidence in the justice system at a time of heightened societal pressure.
International Experience and Enduring Legacy
A Ghanaian by birth, Justice Agyemang brought extensive international judicial experience to the role, having served as a superior court judge in three Commonwealth jurisdictions and previously on Ghana’s Court of Appeal. This breadth of experience informed her pragmatic, comparative approach to judicial reform and court administration.
As she prepares to step down, Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang leaves behind a judiciary reshaped by modernisation, strengthened governance, and a renewed commitment to access to justice—marking a lasting chapter in the legal and institutional development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
