Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the Chief Justice, has declared in his inaugural speech that his vision for the judiciary is that of a service-oriented institution.
He pledged to ensure that the nation’s courts were efficient, transparent and respectful of all persons.
He would also ensure that judges and staff of the Judicial Service uphold high ethical standards, treat litigants with dignity and apply the law without fear or favour.
“A judiciary that works not for political ends but for the cause of justice. I envision a Ghana where justice is not delayed or denied, where the cost, distance and complexity of going to court are no longer barriers to fairness,” he said.
Mr Baffoe-Bonnie said in his inaugural address as Chief Justice of Ghana at the Presidency in Accra.
Mr Baffoe-Bonnie, who was sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama thus becomes the 16th Chief Justice of Ghana.
The inauguration is in line with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Prior to his inauguration, Mr Baffoe-Bonnie who is the most senior Supreme Court Justice, has been the Acting Chief Justice for the past seven months following the suspension and subsequent removal from office of Lady Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, based on the recommendations of the Justice Gabriel Pwamang Committee.
“I envision judges who are independent yet humble, fearless yet fair, learned yet compassionate,” Mr Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stated.
“I envision a system where alternative mechanisms of dispute resolution complement the formal courts and relieve the strain of backlog.
“I envision courtrooms where respect reigns but where litigants are not intimidated, where the language of justice is not alienate but comprehensible to every Ghanaian.”
Mr Justice Baffoe-Bonnie pledged to support the uplifting of court infrastructure, the continuing training of judges and staff, the deployment of information and communication technologies to improve case flow and increase outreach to the citizenry so that the judiciary was better understood and trusted.
“We will strive together to raise the brand of the judiciary in the minds of the people, not simply as an institution they must contend with but as one that belongs to them and works for them.”
He assured the President that he would uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers and protect the constitution.
“I will respect the independence of every judge and ensure that the judiciary remains free from improper influence,” Mr Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said.
“I will also insist on accountability because independence without responsibility breeds entitlement and erosion of public trust.”
Mr Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said judges, court officers and staff would be encouraged and supported to act ethically, to treat all who come to court with fairness and to understand that the titled judge was not a privilege but a public service.
“Every litigant who enters a courtroom brings not only a case but hope, hope that justice will be done,” he said.
“I accept the responsibility of preserving that hope. I urge all stakeholders, lawyers, litigants, civil society, the public to join us in forging a judiciary worthy of the confidence of the Ghanaian people.”
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