By Joyce Danso
Accra, April 17, GNA – Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called for faster, clearer and more accessible justice to strengthen public confidence in the Supreme Court.
He said delays, high costs and distance continued to hinder access to justice despite progress made over the past 150 years.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made the call at the launch of the Supreme Court’s 150th anniversary celebration at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon.
“We cannot say that all is well. There are still delays. There are still barriers. There are still moments when justice feels distant to those who need it most. And confidence is shaken when justice comes too late, or costs too much or feels too far.
“The next chapter of Ghana’s Supreme Court must not be rhetoric: it must not be reform for its own sake,” he said.
The event also saw the outdoor of the anniversary logo, cloth and other products, alongside plans for public education and legal outreach to underserved communities.
The Chief Justice said the apex court must demonstrate a strong moral commitment to excellence in justice delivery.
He said the Court must be faster, noting that delayed justice diluted justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasised that the Court must be “clearer” because obscure justice was inaccessible justice.
He said the Court must also be closer to the people, stressing that distant justice was denied justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said a strong and independent Supreme Court was essential to uphold the rule of law.
“When justice is accessible, impartial and humane, democracy breathes freely institutions,” he added
Nii Ayibonte II, Gbese Mantse and Adontenhene of the Ga State, in a speech read on his behalf, said in 1875 the British acquired vast Gbese lands for the development of the capital of the then Gold Coast.
He said Gbese had contributed significantly to the judiciary, including the provision of lands for courts in the capital.
Mr Jerry Ahmed Shiab, Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, who read a statement on behalf of Parliament, said the Court had remained a pillar of continuity in Ghana’s constitutional development.
He said for 150 years the Supreme Court had been a guardian of Ghana’s Constitution and defender of freedoms.
Mr Shiab stressed the need to safeguard judicial independence and urged that the judiciary should not be drawn into partisan politics.
He said the strength of the judiciary lay in its neutrality and ability to interpret the law without fear or favour.
Dr Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, said the Supreme Court had evolved to resolve issues without bias.
He, however, noted challenges with jury trials and said they should be reformed rather than scrapped to enhance justice delivery.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey