Chief Justice urges Judiciary to strengthen foundations of justice

Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged the Judiciary to prioritize strengthening the foundations of justice over merely introducing reforms. According to him, a foundation can be established quickly, but its strength is gauged over time, and the effectiveness of a reform must be measured by its endurance. This message came during a special church service held at the Cathedral Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Accra to mark the opening of the 69th Legal Year.

The service, which brought together senior Judiciary officials, emphasized the theme, "Strengthening the Foundations of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology."

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed that public confidence in the Judiciary cannot solely be based on the Constitution and the law but must be earned through daily experiences in court, such as being treated with dignity, timely case hearings, and fair rule of law. He emphasized that everyday interactions within the Judiciary, including registry operations, document filing, and phone calls, contribute to this perception of fairness.

Acknowledging the importance of digital transformation, the Chief Justice cautioned against the potential for new forms of exclusion, such as those faced by individuals lacking digital literacy, those from underserved communities, and vulnerable litigants. He stressed that technology should bridge the gap between citizens and justice, not widen the chasm.

Moreover, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged judicial workers to embrace continuous learning, retraining, and institutional support to facilitate technological advancements, rather than being left to figure out new tools through trial and error. He highlighted that institutions do not belong to the generation currently occupying them but are inherited and should be maintained for future generations.

The Anglican Bishop of Ghana, Rt Rev. Dr Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, delivered a sermon emphasizing the need for righteous leadership in the justice system. He argued that while clever lawyers are appreciated, the system requires righteous leaders who can uphold justice without corruption. He used biblical examples to illustrate how weak and corrupt leadership can undermine justice, urging judges and lawyers to serve with humility and commitment.

The bishop also highlighted the critical role of innovation in case management to prevent cases from lingering in courts for lengthy periods, advocating for innovations like court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution. He called for courage in implementing such innovations to speed up justice delivery, reduce costs, and enhance fairness.

Emphasizing the relationship between technology and justice, the bishop warned against the potential for digitized corruption if technological advancements are not underpinned by ethical leadership.