Chief Justice urges judiciary to strengthen foundations of justice

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called upon the judiciary to prioritize the strengthening of justice foundations rather than merely implementing reforms. He emphasized that the true test of any reform lies in its endurance beyond the moment. Baffoe-Bonnie stated that while a foundation could be established swiftly, its strength is proven over time, and that reforms announced in a moment must be evaluated based on their survival of the moment.

He made this assertion during a special church service at the Cathedral Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Accra to commemorate the start of the 69th Legal Year. The service, themed "Strengthening the Foundations of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology," was attended by various judicial officials, including the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, and the President and Vice-President of the Ghana Bar Association.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie highlighted that public confidence in the judiciary is not merely secured by the Constitution and the law but earned through the ordinary experiences of those who utilize the courts. He stressed that the dignity with which individuals are treated within the judicial system is crucial to fostering trust. Baffoe-Bonnie also cautioned against the potential for digital transformation in the judiciary to create a new form of exclusion.

He advocated for continuous learning, retraining, and institutional support to accompany technological advancements, ensuring judicial workers are equipped with the necessary skills rather than simply being left to learn through trial and error. 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 clever lawyers are not what God seeks; rather, the system requires leaders who exhibit righteousness. Drawing from biblical examples, the bishop urged judges and lawyers to exercise their authority with humility and a commitment to serving the public, especially vulnerable groups such as the poor and prisoners. Torto highlighted the necessity of innovation in case management to prevent cases from lingering in courts for extended periods, advocating for tools like e-filing, virtual courts, and digital transcription to enhance efficiency and transparency while cautioning against technological advancement without ethical leadership, which could exacerbate corruption rather than resolve it.