Accra: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that judges and staff of the Judicial Service would uphold high ethical standards, treat litigants with dignity, and apply the law without fear or favor. He articulated a vision for a judiciary that is impartial and dedicated to justice, aspiring for a Ghana where justice is neither delayed nor denied, and where barriers to accessing the courts are minimized.
Mr Baffoe-Bonnie, who was sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama, thus becomes the 16th Chief Justice of Ghana. His inauguration aligns with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Before his inauguration, Mr Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior Supreme Court Justice, served as Acting Chief Justice for seven months following the suspension and removal of Lady Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, as recommended by the Justice Gabriel Pwamang Committee.
In his address, Mr Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlined his vision for an independent yet humble judiciary, committed to fairness, knowledge, and compassion. He emphasized the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to complement formal courts and reduce backlog, ensuring that justice is accessible and comprehensible to all Ghanaians.
Mr Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also pledged to enhance court infrastructure, provide ongoing training for judges and staff, and employ information and communication technologies to improve case flow and public engagement. He reassured that the judiciary would be perceived as a body that belongs to and serves the people.
He assured President Mahama of his commitment to upholding the rule of law, respecting the separation of powers, and protecting the constitution. He promised to maintain the judiciary's independence while ensuring accountability to preserve public trust.
He further stated that judges, court officers, and staff would be supported to act ethically and treat all court visitors with fairness, emphasizing that being a judge is a public service rather than a privilege. He called on all stakeholders, including lawyers, litigants, civil society, and the public, to collaborate in building a judiciary that earns the confidence of the Ghanaian people.