ACCRA, Ghana, 10th September: President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater efficiency, accountability and discipline within Ghana’s judiciary, warning that prolonged cases and delays in delivering judgments could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
According to the President, judicial independence must go hand in hand with accountability, discipline and fidelity to the judicial oath.
He made the call when he swore in three new Justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Tony Forson Jnr.
President Mahama said judicial independence is not a privilege granted to judges for their personal benefit but a protection afforded to citizens to ensure that their rights are determined fairly, particularly in difficult, politically sensitive or unpopular cases.
He, however, stressed that the independence of the judiciary must be matched by conduct that inspires public confidence.
“Public confidence in the judiciary depends not only on the soundness of its decisions but also on the conduct of judges, the accessibility of the courts, and the timely delivery of justice,” he said.
President Mahama expressed concern about the pressure prolonged cases, avoidable adjournments and delays in delivering judgments place on ordinary citizens.
He said such delays could weaken confidence in the judicial system and, in some circumstances, amount to a denial of justice.
He therefore urged the judiciary to intensify reforms aimed at improving efficiency, embracing appropriate technology and making justice more accessible to all Ghanaians, irrespective of their income, status or geographical location.
The President also called on the Supreme Court to communicate the reasoning behind its decisions with clarity.
He said clear and well-reasoned judgments would provide dependable guidance to lower courts, public institutions and legal practitioners while strengthening public understanding and respect for the judicial process.
President Mahama said the ultimate objective must be a judicial system that delivers justice efficiently, fairly and in a manner that maintains the confidence of the Ghanaian people.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
