The courts are the last refuge for the vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized, children, persons with disability, and all those who feel powerless in the face of authority or abuse.
Justice must not be tilted in favor of the wealthy or powerful.
President John Dramani Mahama made this admonition at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, at the Presidency on Monday.
President Mahama noted that the Constitution of Ghana guarantees fundamental human rights and freedom of all persons in Ghana, but rights have meaning only when they are effectively protected and enforced.
“The courts are the last refuge for the vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized, children, persons with disability, and all those who feel powerless in the face of authority or abuse,” he stated.
The President expressed trust that under the stewardship of the new Chief Justice, the judiciary will deepen the protection of human rights and civil liberties.
He urged the judiciary to ensure that justice is not tilted in favor of the wealthy or powerful.
President Mahama called for the strengthening of specialized courts and divisions where necessary to address issues such as family welfare, land disputes, commercial disputes, environmental protection, and corruption.
“Strengthen specialized courts and divisions where necessary to address issues such as family welfare, land disputes, commercial disputes, environmental protection, and corruption,” he said.
The President also called for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to complement the formal courts, especially in community and family disputes.
He emphasized that justice must not be an abstract principle confined to law books but must be seen, felt, and experienced in the daily lives of the people.
President Mahama noted that justice must not only be fair, but also accessible, timely, and affordable.
He stated that too many citizens still experience justice as something that is distant, slow, and financially burdensome.
The President urged the Chief Justice, in collaboration with the Judicial Council and the Bar, to prioritize simplified procedures, especially for small claims, family matters, juvenile, and labor matters, so that ordinary citizens are not excluded by technicality.
He charged the Chief Justice to remember that every file on his desk and every case in the courts represents human lives, families, and people’s futures.
President Mahama described the constitutional role of the Chief Justice as among the most important under the Constitution, with the office holder serving as head of the judiciary and the symbol and guarantor of justice for the people.
He noted that Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie comes to the office with many years of experience on the bench and a record of distinguished service to the country.
The President charged the Chief Justice to lead with courage even when decisions are difficult or unpopular, to guard jealously the institutional integrity and independence of the judiciary, and to inspire colleagues and staff by personal example in diligence, humility, and fairness.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
