By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, July 23, GNA – Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has urged magistrates to sharpen their knowledge in the use of technology, and how law functions in the digital and virtual realms.
“Your proficiency in the use of ICT tools must transcend the use of technological devices. That is the basic level, you need to utilise tools of e-justice that will sooner than later be introduced in your court,” she said.
The Chief Justice was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of six new magistrates in Accra on Tuesday.
The new magistrates are made up of a male and five females.
They took three oaths -Oath of Allegiance, Judicial Oath and Oath of Secrecy.
They are Miss Amy Bondzie-Hanson, Ms Ama Benieh Kwaw-Swanzy, Miss Sandra Xorlali Lavison, Miss Yvonne Nakie Nanor and Mr Lord Dalvin Esandoh.
She encouraged them to learn how to translate and dissect legal issues that emanate from any transaction or situation that occurs electronically, digitally or virtually.
The Chief Justice said, “This is the shape of the world. The world has moved from the use of Automated Teller Machines to mobile money interoperability.”
She urged them to take the ethics of their work seriously and ensure that everyone in the justice delivery chain within their jurisdiction acted in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Judicial Service.
She said, “This is why in our profession, we can never stop learning, not even at the Supreme Court. Any shoddiness with rules of procedure and rules of evidence or substantive principles of law will lead to injustice from your hands.”
The Chief Justice said, “Do not be impressed by the noise of those speaking extensively and trying to turn your attention to themselves in and out of your courtroom.”
She said the magistrates must understand that the ultimate use of the rules of court to avoid misuse of the court system was in the domain of the judge.
“Kindly bear in mind that justice delivery is done with many actors in a chain and so the judge as a leader has a responsibility to ensure that the court machinery is managed appropriately so that judgments and rulings can stand the test of time.”
She said the judge must be a learner of both traditional and contemporary law and judicial skills to discharge the weight of the duties.
Mr Alfred Tuah Yeboah, Deputy Attorney General, urged the magistrates to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity.
“You are to discharge your duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. But bear in mind that your power is highly circumscribed. You are the lower base of the judiciary,” he added.
Mr Yaw Acheampong Boafo, the President of the Ghana Bar Association, urged them to remove themselves from any external influence, expressing the hope that they would approach their duties with zeal, dedication and commitment.
Miss Bondzie-Hanson, on behalf of her colleagues, said they would discharge their duties with excellence.
“We shall act at all times to promote public confidence in the judiciary,” she added.
GNA