Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie says his vision for the Judiciary is to build a service-oriented institution that is efficient, transparent and respectful to all who engage with the courts.
Delivering his inaugural speech at the Presidency in Accra, he pledged to ensure that judges and staff 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, and where the cost, distance and complexity of going to court are no longer barriers to fairness,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court before his elevation, becomes the 16th Chief Justice of Ghana. He was sworn in by President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution.
He had served as Acting Chief Justice for the past seven months following the suspension and removal of Lady Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo on the recommendation of the Justice Gabriel Pwamang Committee.
He said he envisions judges who are independent yet humble, fearless yet fair, and compassionate in the delivery of justice. He also called for greater use of alternative dispute resolution to ease pressure on the courts.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie pledged to champion improvements in court infrastructure, expand training for judges and staff, and deepen the use of technology to improve case management and public engagement.
“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 said.
He assured the President that he would uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers and protect the constitution. He added that judicial independence must go hand in hand with accountability to maintain public trust.
“Every litigant who enters a courtroom brings not only a case but hope — hope that justice will be done. I accept the responsibility of preserving that hope,” he said, calling on lawyers, litigants, civil society and the public to support efforts to build a judiciary worthy of national confidence.