By Gifty Amofa
Accra, Aug. 4, GNA – The Judicial Service has honoured past and present staff of the Supreme Court of Ghana for their outstanding contributions to justice delivery as part of activities marking the Court’s 150th anniversary.
The recognition took place at a Dinner and Awards Night held on the theme: “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Defining the Future,” one of several events lined up for the month-long anniversary celebration.
Among the dignitaries present were President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, Madam Joyce Adelaide Bamford-Addo, the first female Speaker of Parliament, former Chief Justices, retired and serving Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, judges from the lower courts, the President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mrs Efua Ghartey, the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, heads of the security services, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the Chief Justice, said the anniversary offered an opportunity not only to celebrate the institution’s legacy but also to honour those whose dedication and sacrifices had sustained justice delivery over the years.
He said the awardees had served the nation with extraordinary commitment and devotion, helping to shape and strengthen the Judicial Service.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie noted that enduring institutions survived because generations of ordinary people chose to serve them with exceptional dedication.
“We received the baton from those who came before us. They ran their part of the race with honour and handed it over to us. Whatever we see today is built on the solid foundations laid by our predecessors,” he said.
The Chief Justice said a nation that recognised and celebrated faithful service inspired future generations to uphold integrity, dedication and commitment to the public good.
He paid tribute to judges, magistrates, registrars, court interpreters, court reporters, recorders, security officers, cleaners and other support staff, particularly those serving in remote areas whose contributions often went unnoticed.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie described the Supreme Court’s 150-year journey as a remarkable milestone and urged personnel of the Judicial Service to renew their commitment to building a judiciary that would command even greater public confidence for future generations.
Activities marking the anniversary include public lectures, a health walk, legal outreach programmes, media engagements, a “What Do You Know?” quiz competition, moot court exercise and a thanksgiving service.
Sir Arku Korsah, Justice Julius Sarkodie Addo, Justice Edward Akufo-Addo, Justice Edward Kwame Wiredu, Justice Philip Edward Archer (Rtd), Justice Clemence Honyenuga (Rtd) for the Justice for All Programme, Justice Professor Kofi Date-Bah and Justice David Bannerman were honoured.
Former Chief Justices Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Justice Sophia Akuffo and Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah were also honoured, alongside Justice Sophia O. A. Adinyira (Rtd), Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Yonny Kulendi of the Supreme Court and Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe of the Court of Appeal.
Former Speakers of Parliament Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, Madam Joyce Adelaide Bamford-Addo and Mr Edward Doe Adjaho also received awards in recognition of their contributions.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe