Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged Judges and Magistrates to handle prosecutions relating to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, drug trafficking and drug abuse with seriousness, impartiality and urgency to enhance justice delivery.
“Where there is evidence, the law must be applied without fear or favour. No person – and I mean no person -regardless of political affiliation or social status, should be immune to justice,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made the call at the opening of the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana in Accra, held on the theme: “Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery.”
He noted that public perception of sentences for environmental and drug offences being either too lenient or inconsistently applied was worrying and for harmonised sentencing practices to ensure propriety, deterrence and fairness.
“We must fiercely guard our independence from external pressures, be they political, commercial or social. Our integrity is the bulwark that assures the public that justice is not for sale,” he added.
The Acting Chief Justice disclosed that the Judiciary would strengthen the specialised courts established under former Chief Justice Georgina Wood’s tenure, and create additional designated courts to handle the rising number of galamsey, environmental degradation, and drug-related cases.
He explained that those courts would promote swift adjudication and enhance public trust.
“Beyond our courtrooms, the judiciary must serve as a moral compass. Through our judgements, speeches and engagements with civil society, we must amplify the message that illegal mining and drug abuse are not only criminal offences but betrayals of our collective future,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the judicial training and capacity building would be enhanced to equip Judges and Magistrates with knowledge on new methods of drug trafficking, cyber-related criminal networks, and the complex corporate structures used to conceal illegal mining operations.
On outreach, he said the Judicial Community Outreach Programmes would also address issues of environmental justice and drug abuse.
However, he cautioned that the Judiciary alone could not win the fight against illegal mining and drug abuse, calling for broad national collaboration.
“Let us not underestimate the ripple effect of our judgements, our diligence and our courage. Every ruling grounded in justice strengthens the foundation of a law-abiding society,” he said.
The Acting Chief Justice charged the judges and magistrates to commit to a “Judiciary that is proactive, principled and unyielding in the face of impunity.”
“Let history remember that during a time of national crisis, the bench did not look away.”
He urged participants to thirst for knowledge and emerge from the gathering with renewed determination to strengthen the rule of law and safeguard the liberties of citizens.
Dr Dominic A. Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, acknowledged the challenges facing the Judiciary and pledged to liaise with the Ministry of Finance to resolve them.
Mrs Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association, described Judges and Magistrates as indispensable “conscience-keepers” of the nation.
She reminded them that their role was to ensure that “truth is not drowned out by power, and fairness is not silenced by convenience.”
“When Judges and Magistrates act with courage and integrity, public trust deepens and the moral foundations of the nation are strengthened.”
She encouraged them to embrace technology to make justice more accessible.
Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana, noted that technology had revolutionised many sectors and the judiciary was no exception.
He said effective adoption of digital tools could significantly improve efficiency, accessibility and transparency in Ghana’s justice delivery system.
However, he lamented the challenges facing members of the judiciary, including delayed allowances, unpaid medical bills, lack of official vehicles, drivers and fuel support.
He said some judges had to finance official duties out of pocket for years without reimbursement.
Thirteen retired Judges and Magistrates were honoured with awards for their dedication and service.
