By Joyce Danso
Accra, Jan. 23, GNA – Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has charged judges to remain firm and courageous in the face of pressure and to decide cases strictly on the basis of the law and evidence.
“You must be firm in the face of pressure, whether from litigants, lawyers, public opinion, or even persons in positions of authority,” he said.
“Independence does not mean isolation; it means having the courage to decide cases solely by the law and evidence. Judicial independence is both a privilege and a burden.”
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie gave the advice on Thursday when he swore in 52 Circuit Court Judges at the Law Courts Complex in Accra.
The judges comprise 40 magistrates who had distinguished themselves through years of dedicated service, and 12 lawyers drawn from private practice and other areas of legal service.
He urged them to maintain the high standards expected of them, stressing that judicial authority was not asserted through eloquence or persuasion, but through restraint, fairness and fidelity to the law.
The Chief Justice noted that the Circuit Court occupied a critical position within the judicial architecture, serving as the primary point of contact for many citizens seeking justice.
“It handles serious criminal matters, complex civil disputes and issues that directly affect livelihoods, liberty and social stability,” he said.
He, therefore, urged the judges to approach their duties with humility, diligence and an unwavering sense of responsibility, emphasizing that judicial power was delegated by the people through the Constitution.
“That power must be exercised judiciously, transparently and strictly in accordance with the law. Any abuse of judicial authority erodes public confidence and undermines the foundation of the rule of law,” Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie cautioned.
He said judges must be guided by three enduring pillars: integrity, competence and independence, and advised them to be vigilant against situations that could compromise their impartiality or create perceptions of impropriety.
“Public trust in the judiciary is fragile; it is built over time but can be lost in a moment,” he noted.
The Chief Justice encouraged continuous learning, noting that the law was dynamic, and stressed that judgements must be clear, well-reasoned and grounded in sound legal principles.
On judicial reforms, Justice Bafoe-Bonnie said the Judicial Service was investing in digital systems and urged judges to fully embrace Information and Communication Technology tools to enhance their work.
“I encourage you to embrace these technologies, not as burdens, but as enablers of your work.”
Touching on judicial efficiency, he reminded the judges that “justice delayed is justice denied,” adding that while quality must never be sacrificed for speed, undue delay weakened confidence in the justice system.
“Case management, punctuality and discipline must, therefore be hallmarks of your courts,” he added.
Mrs Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association, urged the judges to ensure that their work promoted peace, harmony and justice for the people.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe