By Leo Nelson
Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Paul Baffoe Bonnie, has called for a renewed focus on faster and more efficient justice delivery as the country marked the 150th anniversary of its Supreme Court.
Speaking at the Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana, he described the occasion as a moment of reflection and responsibility rather than mere celebration.
The event brought together key figures from the judiciary, executive, and legislature, including the Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampo Addo and Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice emphasized that the anniversary must be used to evaluate the performance of the judiciary and to define a clear path for the future.
“Today is not simply about marking time. It is about asking ourselves whether we are delivering justice in a way that meets the expectations of the Ghanaian people”.
Honouring a Century and a Half of Legal Tradition
Chief Justice Baffoe Bonnie traced the origins of the Supreme Court to the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876, highlighting the institution’s long journey through Ghana’s colonial and post independence history.
He noted that the Court was established with the responsibility of safeguarding laws and liberties, a mandate that remains central to its work today. He paid tribute to the generations of judges who have served with dedication, often under challenging circumstances.
According to him, their efforts laid the foundation for Ghana’s constitutional democracy and continue to guide the judiciary. “We honour those who came before us, whose courage and integrity ensured that justice was upheld even in difficult times,” he stated.
He added that their legacy is reflected in the many judgments that have shaped the nation’s legal and governance systems. The Chief Justice also acknowledged the presence of former Chief Justices, including Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo, whose contributions he said have strengthened the institution over the years.
Confronting the Reality of Delays
Despite the achievements of the judiciary, Chief Justice Baffoe Bonnie stressed the need for candid reflection on persistent challenges, particularly delays in the justice system. He questioned whether it was acceptable for cases to remain unresolved for extended periods, noting that such delays undermine confidence in the courts.
“After 150 years, we must ask ourselves whether congestion and delays should still define parts of our system,” he said, emphasizing that the issue is not about individual shortcomings but about systemic inefficiencies that must be addressed.
He further highlighted the continued reliance on manual processes as a barrier to efficiency, pointing out that modern societies require faster and more responsive judicial systems. According to him, failure to adapt could limit access to justice and weaken public trust.
Driving Reform Through Technology
The Chief Justice outlined ongoing efforts to modernise the judiciary, with a strong focus on the implementation of the e justice programme. He explained that the initiative aims to transform court operations through digital filing, electronic service of processes, and virtual hearings.
These measures, he said, are designed to reduce delays and improve access to justice, particularly for individuals who may face logistical challenges in attending court proceedings. He also noted that digitised records will enhance transparency and efficiency in case management.
“The court of today must be responsive to the realities of the digital age,” he stated, adding that technology offers practical solutions to longstanding challenges in the justice delivery system.
He further revealed that extended court sittings have been introduced to help address case backlogs, demonstrating the judiciary’s commitment to improving performance.
Strengthening Trust in the Judiciary
Chief Justice Baffoe Bonnie underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, noting that trust is essential for the effective functioning of the legal system. He stressed that transparency, fairness, and efficiency must remain guiding principles for the courts.
He acknowledged that access to justice is still limited for many citizens due to factors such as cost and distance. According to him, addressing these barriers is critical to ensuring that the judiciary serves all segments of society.
“The courts must remain a place where every citizen, regardless of status, can seek justice with confidence,” he said, calling for sustained efforts to make the legal system more inclusive.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the Chief Justice outlined a vision for a judiciary that is faster, more accessible, and better equipped to meet the needs of a changing society. He emphasized that the anniversary theme calls for both reflection and action, urging stakeholders to build on past achievements while embracing reform.
He stated that the next phase of the Court’s development must focus on efficiency and innovation, ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely and effective manner. He also highlighted the need for continuous improvement in judicial processes and standards.
“This anniversary must mark a turning point. It must be remembered as the moment we recommitted ourselves to faster justice, to accessible justice, and to a system that serves the people with integrity.”
In his concluding remarks, Chief Justice Baffoe Bonnie reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy. He emphasized that the institution must continue to uphold the rule of law while adapting to new challenges.
He expressed confidence that with sustained reforms and collective effort, the judiciary will strengthen its ability to deliver justice efficiently and fairly. The 150th anniversary, he noted, provides an opportunity to renew this commitment and to ensure that the courts remain relevant in the years ahead.
As Ghana celebrates this milestone, the message from the Chief Justice is clear. The future of the judiciary depends on its ability to evolve, to address existing challenges, and to deliver justice in a manner that meets the expectations of the people it serves.