Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was sworn in today at Jubilee House, emphasizing that the essence of justice lies not only in the law itself but in how it is applied.
“Every court in our land, from the smallest magistrate courts to the highest tribunals, has a sacred duty to ensure that the rights, liberties, and human dignity of Ghanaians are respected and protected,” the Chief Justice declared.
“It is not the law alone that matters, but how the law is applied, how justice is dispensed, and how it earns the confidence of the people we serve. We are a nation built on the 1992 Constitution, which enshrines not only rights but also responsibilities. The judiciary must be independent, impartial, and accessible.”
President John Dramani Mahama, in his address at the swearing-in ceremony, pledged the government’s support for reforms aimed at strengthening the judiciary.
“As a government, we recognize our responsibility to provide adequate resources to support these reforms,” he said. “We will work with your office to ensure that the judiciary is adequately equipped to deliver justice in a modern and efficient manner.”
President Mahama further stressed the judiciary’s role as the “last refuge for the vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized, children, persons with disabilities, and all those who feel powerless in the face of authority or abuse.” He expressed confidence that under CJ Baffoe-Bonnie’s stewardship, the courts would deepen the protection of human rights and civil liberties, ensuring that justice is not skewed in favor of the wealthy or powerful.
The President highlighted the importance of specialized courts and divisions to handle issues such as family welfare, land disputes, commercial disputes, environmental protection, and corruption, signaling a commitment to efficiency and fairness across the judicial system.
CJ Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment comes at a critical time as Ghana continues to reform its judiciary to ensure that the law is not just written but also meaningfully applied to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu