Accra: Former Chief Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo has called for the new law on legal education to prioritize quality over quantity in the legal profession. Speaking at the launch of the 150th anniversary celebration of the Supreme Court of Ghana, she emphasized that while the law should foster an adequate number of lawyers, quality assurance must take precedence.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Akuffo made these remarks at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, where she joined in marking the sesquicentennial milestone of the country's highest court. The theme of the celebration was 'The Supreme Court of Ghana@150: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Defining the Future.' The anniversary honors the Supreme Court's 150 years of institutional continuity, service, and excellence since its establishment on March 31, 1876.
Justice Akuffo underscored that quality should never be sacrificed for quantity in legal education. She stressed that quality justice is more valuable than a large number of lawyers who lack high standards. The former Chief Justice also stated that producing quality lawyers was key to ensuring a robust judiciary, as they would eventually become judges the nation could be proud of.
On the impact of modern technologies, including ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI), she urged that the judiciary must embrace innovation and adapt to technological advancements. Justice Akuffo emphasized the need for the judiciary to adapt, innovate, and constantly re-imagine how it can operate effectively in the modern era.
Justice Akuffo also pledged to support the 150th anniversary celebrations and appealed for continued collaboration with stakeholders to support the judiciary's role in the nation's development. Professor Mike Aaron Ocquaye, former Speaker of Parliament and special guest at the event, urged judges to act with integrity, likening their role to that of God's representation on Earth. He called for judges to stand above corruption and commended former Chief Justices who confronted judicial corruption.
Prof. Ocquaye endorsed the introduction of the judiciary's morning and afternoon shift system, which he said could accelerate the justice process, citing India's successful implementation. Regarding the tribunal system, he appealed to the government to preserve regular courts and avoid using tribunals as substitutes. He stressed the need for the public to recognize the Supreme Court as the ultimate authority in Ghana's judicial system.