By Charles Tawiah
Barekese (Ash) Oct. 30, GNA – Mr Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, the Chief Justice of Ghana, has charged magistrates and the staff of the judiciary to discharge their duties in a manner that will protect the trust Ghanaians have in the judiciary and justice system.
He pointed out that personal and institutional integrity, impartiality and diligence were useful tools needed to gain and maintain a positive reputation, public confidence and trust in the justice system.
Justice Baffoe Bonnie made the call at the inauguration of a modern magistrate court complex at Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.
The project was funded through the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly’s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
He said district courts occupied a particular important place in the administration of justice in Ghana since for many citizens, they were the first and sometimes, the only point of contact with the formal judicial system.
He explained that district and magistrate courts determined civil and criminal matters that touched directly upon everyday lives of the people including disputes concerning contractual obligations, family relationship, property and other matters as well as criminal proceedings in which the liberty and reputation of individuals may be at stake.
According to the Chief Justice, a dispute that appeared routine to a court official may concern the livelihood of an entire family, a seemingly minor claim may represent the savings of a lifetime and a criminal proceeding however, straight forward it may appear, may determine whether a person retains or loses his liberty.
He said, there was therefore, no such thing as an insignificant case to the person whose rights or interests depended on its outcome, and therefore, placed a solemn responsibility upon the magistrate and all members of staff, who would serve in the court.
He encouraged judges to be firm in the application of the law but fair in their dealings with the people by attending to cases promptly, manage proceedings efficiently and guard against unnecessary delays.
“Let every decision and every official act reflect the independence and impartiality which the constitution demands of those entrusted with the administration of justice.
The authority of the court does not rest upon the power to pronounce judgment alone.
It rests equally upon the confidence of the people that judgment will be pronounced fairly, without fear, favour, affection or ill will,” he stated.
Chief Justice Baffoe Bonnie pointed out that, bringing courts closer to the people must remain an important part of the efforts to improve justice delivery since access to justice could not be meaningful if the cost and inconvenience of reaching the institutions established to administer it place lawful remedies beyond the practical reach of those who needed them.
He noted that for many of the citizens living some distance from established court centres, the pursuit of justice carries burdens beyond the legal issues involved, including transportation cost to bear, and working hours to sacrifice to merely have grievances heard.
He cited that to the farmer, the trader, the artisan or the ordinary worker whose daily earnings sustained a household, they could become formidable obstacles to the pursuit of a legitimate claim.
Mr. Mba Zechariah Alenbilla, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area declared the continuous commitment of the government to rural development in all sectors and appealed for unity and support from the people.
He said the facility would bring justice to the doorsteps of the people and save them from traveling long distances to the courts in neighbouring communities.
The establishment of the new, he said, had brought honour to the district, which shared boundaries with the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal, Ahafo-Ano South East and West, as well as Offinso South Districts.
The DCE, however, advised residents particularly the youth, to desist from violence, smoking, robbery and other acts that could lead them into trouble.
“You will be successful with your hard work and ambitions at youthful age, rather than indiscipline”, he added
Nana Amoapim Brenya I, the Barekesehene, commended the government for establishing the court as requested by the traditional council.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Benjamin Mensah