Accra: Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called on Judges and Magistrates to approach prosecutions related to illegal mining, drug trafficking, and drug abuse with seriousness and impartiality to improve justice delivery. “Where there is evidence, the law must be applied without fear or favor. No person-regardless of political affiliation or social status-should be immune to justice,” he stated.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made these remarks at the opening of the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana in Accra. The event was themed ‘Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery.’ Justice Baffoe-Bonnie highlighted the public’s concern over lenient or inconsistent sentencing for environmental and drug offenses and called for harmonized sentencing to ensure deterrence and fairness.
He emphasized the need for the judiciary to maintain independence from external pressures, noting, “Our integrity is the bulwark that assures the public that justice is not for sale.” The Acting Chief Justice announced plans to strengthen specialized courts established under former Chief Justice Georgina Wood’s tenure and to create additional courts to handle rising cases of illegal mining, environmental degradation, and drug-related offenses, aiming to promote swift adjudication and bolster public trust.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie underscored the judiciary’s role as a moral compass, stating, “Through our judgments, speeches, and engagements with civil society, we must amplify the message that illegal mining and drug abuse are betrayals of our collective future.” He emphasized enhancing judicial training to equip Judges and Magistrates with knowledge on new methods of drug trafficking, cyber-related criminal networks, and complex corporate structures used to conceal illegal mining operations.
He also highlighted Judicial Community Outreach Programmes addressing environmental justice and drug abuse issues, while stressing that the judiciary alone cannot combat illegal mining and drug abuse, calling for broad national collaboration.
Dr. Dominic A. Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, acknowledged the challenges facing the Judiciary and pledged to work with the Ministry of Finance to address them. Mrs. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association, described Judges and Magistrates as indispensable “conscience-keepers” of the nation, emphasizing their role in ensuring truth and fairness.
Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana, noted the transformative impact of technology on the judiciary and called for effective adoption of digital tools to improve efficiency and transparency. He highlighted ongoing challenges, including delayed allowances and lack of resources, with some judges financing official duties out of pocket.
Thirteen retired Judges and Magistrates were honored with awards for their dedication and service.