By Joyce Danso
Accra, Oct. 1, GNA – Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has asked Judges and Magistrates to ensure that prosecutions related to illegal mining, drug trafficking and abuse are handled with seriousness, impartiality and urgency.
” Where there is evidence, the law must be applied without fear or favour. No person and I mean no person, regardless of their political affiliation or social status, should be immune to justice.”
Acting Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said this at the opening of the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana held in Accra on the theme:”Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie noted that there was growing public perception that sentences for environmental crimes and drug offences are either too lenient or inconsistently applied.
“We must work towards harmonising sentencing practices to ensure propriety, deterrence and fairness. We must fiercely guard our independence from external pressures be it political, commercial or social.
Our integrity is a bulwark that assures the public that justice was not for sale.”
Acting Chief Justice said the Judiciary would refine the specialised courts created under former Chief Justice Georgina Wood’s tenure and creation of more designated courts to deal with increasing number of galamsey, environmental degradation and drug-related cases.
According to him, these courts would boost swift adjudication and enhance public trust, adding “beyond our courtrooms, the judiciary must serve as a moral compass.”
He said “through our judgements, speeches and engagements with civil society, we must amplify the message that illegal mining and drug abuse are not only criminal offences, but they are also a betrayal of our collective future.”
Acting Chief Justice Baffoe Bonnie said the Judiciary would foster judicial training and capacity building so that Judges and Magistrates would keep abreast of new methods of drug trafficking, cyber-related criminal networks and the complex corporate structures often used to mask illegal mining operations.
He said in the Judicial Community Outreach Programmes, they would ensure that issues of justice regarding the environment and drug abuse are adequately addressed.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the fight against illegal mining and drug abuse cannot be won by the judiciary alone, adding we need all hands-on deck.
“Let us not underestimate the ripple effect of our judgements, our diligence and our courage. Every ruling grounded in justice strengthens the foundation of a law-abiding society.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie asked the Judges and Magistrates to “commit to a Judiciary that is proactive, principled and unyielding in the face of impunity. Let history remember that during a time of national crises, the bench did not look away.”
He asked them to thirst for knowledge and a commitment to strengthen the judicial system. “Let us emerge from the gathering not only with new insights, but also renewed determination to advance the cause of justice, uphold the rule of law and safeguard the liberties of our fellow citizens.
Dr. Dominic A .Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, said he had noted the challenges facing the judiciary, saying he was passionate about their comfort hence he would follow up to the Ministry of Finance to ensure that their challenges became a thing of the past.
Mrs Efua Ghartey, President, Ghana Bar Association said the role of Judges and magistrates were indispensable, adding they were conscious speakers of the nation.
Mrs Ghartey said as judges and magistrates, they were to ensure that “truth is not drowned out by power, and that fairness is not silenced by convenience.”
She noted that when Judges and Magistrates act with courage and integrity public trust deepens and Ghana’s morale foundations are strengthened.
Mrs Ghartey urged them to embrace technology to make justice easier and more accessible.
Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana, noted that today’s digital law, technology had revolutionized several sectors and the judiciary was no exception.
Justice Kwofie said the effective use of technology could significantly improve efficiency, accessibility and transparency in Ghana’s justice delivery system.
He said some Judges did not have means of transport, their allowances were left unpaid and their medical allowances also un paid.
“I don’t remember the last time I received my medical bills and it goes for everyone. Medical allowances are not released, subvention is not released, even when the thing has been approved… Even after allocation has been made, getting it released then becomes a problem.”
Justice Kwofie recounted that some Superior Court judges did not have drivers and did not even receive fuel for their vehicles.
According to him, some lower court judges who sometimes did outstation duties for three to four years with their own money do not get a.refund.
Thirteen retirees were given various awards for their dedication and work.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong