President John Dramani Mahama has urged the newly sworn-in Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, to prioritize the reduction of case backlogs through innovative case management systems.
The President called for the expansion and modernization of court infrastructure, especially in underserved districts, and the use of technology including e-filing and virtual hearings to improve efficiency.
In his speech at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice on Monday at the Presidency, President Mahama stated that justice must not only be fair, but also accessible, timely and affordable.
“Too many of our fellow citizens still experience justice as something that is distant, that is slow, and financially burdensome. Court adjournments, delays in delivering judgments, and complex procedures can turn our courtrooms into places of frustration rather than places of hope,” he said.
The President urged the Chief Justice, in collaboration with the Judicial Council and the Bar, to prioritize the reduction of case backlogs through innovative case management systems, the expansion and modernization of court infrastructure, especially in underserved districts, and the use of technology.
“E-filing, virtual hearings, where appropriate, and digital recordings to improve efficiency, and also simplified procedures, especially for small claims, family matters, juvenile, and labor matters, so that ordinary citizens are not excluded by technicality,” President Mahama stated.
He emphasized that government recognizes its responsibility to provide adequate resources to support judicial reforms.
The President pledged that government will work with the Chief Justice’s office to ensure that the judiciary is adequately equipped to deliver justice in a modern and efficient manner.
“As government, we recognize our responsibility to provide adequate resources to support these reforms. We’ll work with your office to ensure that the judiciary is adequately equipped to deliver justice in a modern and efficient manner,” he said.
President Mahama stated that the administration of justice is a shared enterprise involving judges, lawyers, court staff, law enforcement agencies, traditional authorities, and the public.
He noted that in his administration’s reset agenda and broader reforms, government sees the judiciary as a necessary partner in building a just, prosperous, and stable Ghana.
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.
He emphasized that even as government emphasizes independence, there must be recognition of the need for cooperation among the three arms of government.
President Mahama noted 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 stated that Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie was appointed Chief Justice in accordance with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, describing the ceremony as more than just a symbolic change of guard.
He noted that it marks a milestone and reaffirms collective dedication to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary as an equal branch of government.
President Mahama explained that the constitutional role of the Chief Justice is 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.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
