An independent judiciary is a constitutional necessity, not a favor to the courts.
Court decisions must be respected and enforced whether they are popular or unpopular, as they form the bedrock of the rule of law.
President John Dramani Mahama said this at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, at the Presidency on Mondays.
He noted that government must jealously safeguard the institutional, financial, and administrative autonomy of courts.
“Today as President, I pledge my unwavering commitment to the independence of the judiciary. And I wish to say that an independent judiciary is not a favor to the courts. It is a constitutional necessity and a protection for every citizen, including the President,” he stated.
“Decisions of our courts, whether we agree or not, whether popular or unpopular, must be respected and enforced. This is the bedrock of the rule of law,” President Mahama declared.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the new Chief Justice, the judiciary will continue to uphold its constitutional mandate without fear or favor, and without affection or ill will.
President Mahama described the judiciary as a necessary partner in building a just, prosperous, and stable Ghana.
He stated that in his administration’s reset agenda and broader reforms, government sees the judiciary as playing a key role in national development.
The President pledged that government will engage with the Chief Justice’s office in the spirit of consultation and respect, while scrupulously preserving judicial independence in the performance of judicial functions.
“We’ll engage with your office in the spirit of consultation and respect, while scrupulously preserving your independence in the performance of your judicial functions,” he said.
President Mahama noted that even as government emphasizes independence, there must be recognition of the need for cooperation among the three arms of government.
He explained that the judiciary needs an enabling legal framework, adequate budgetary allocation, and supportive policies, while the executive and legislature require timely and impartial judicial interpretations of the law and the constitution.
The President emphasized that the strength of Ghana’s democracy depends on a delicate yet essential balance of powers among the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.
“Each branch is supposed to operate independently, and yet they have to collaborate in order to serve the common good,” President Mahama stated.
The President called for greater public education on the justice system to enhance understanding and respect for court decisions.
He stated that when citizens understand how courts work, they are more likely to respect court decisions and use lawful means to resolve their disputes.
“I also encourage greater outreach and public education on our justice system. When citizens understand how the courts work, they are more likely to respect court decisions and to use lawful means to resolve their disputes,” President Mahama said.
He urged the Chief Justice to cultivate a strong, constructive relationship with the bar and other professional bodies and stakeholders.
The President noted that the administration of justice is a shared enterprise involving judges, lawyers, court staff, law enforcement agencies, traditional authorities, and the public.
He stated that robust debate between the bench and the bar is healthy, but must be grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the rule of law.
President Mahama 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.
He reminded the Chief Justice that every file on his desk and every case in the courts represents human lives, families, and people’s futures.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
