The Chief Justice, Mrs. Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has expressed concern over the exploitation and corruption within Ghana’s judicial system, emphasizing that integrity, competence, and independence are crucial for the nation’s accelerated development.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) at the University of Cape Coast, the Chief Justice lamented how individuals in the judicial system often prioritize personal enrichment over justice.
Appeal for moral principles and integrity
The Chief Justice urged judicial staff to uphold their moral principles and apply their conscience in all their work. She called for a national commitment to functional moral principles, where integrity is paramount and highly esteemed.
“We must hold ourselves to high standards of moral excellence,” Justice Torkornoo emphasized, reminding staff to be guided by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, particularly the directive on the principles of state policy.
Focus on the welfare of the vulnerable
Justice Torkornoo stressed the need for the Judicial Service to prioritize the welfare of the vulnerable in society.
She shared her vision for a vibrant working environment where judicial staff deliver exceptional public services with independence and integrity.
The Chief Justice encouraged staff to work collaboratively, aiming to change the public’s perception of corruption and inefficiency in the Judicial Service.
“Let’s help ourselves to be exceptional, work with competence, consensus, integrity, and independence,” she stated.
Commitment to a new constitutional instrument
Justice Torkornoo announced her commitment to passing a new Constitutional Instrument (CI) that would enhance the judicial system and make Ghana more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
“I have committed myself to the passage of a CI to create a system that would attract investors. You will see people having confidence in the system to invest and explore,” she remarked.
Role of judiciary in political stability
Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, CEO of COA Research and Manufacturing Company Limited, highlighted the judiciary’s significant role in Ghana’s political development.
He emphasized the importance of judicial independence and integrity in resolving electoral disputes and building trust among citizens, political candidates, and parties.
Prof. Duncan identified separation of powers, impartiality, and security of tenure as essential elements to ensure true judicial independence.
Safeguarding judicial integrity ahead of elections
With the December 7 elections approaching, Prof. Duncan called for collective efforts to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary and electoral process.
He noted that the country’s democratic credentials depend on the ability to uphold judicial independence and maintain a transparent, accountable legal system.
The event, which gathered legal professionals, judicial staff, and key stakeholders, marked an important moment in the fight against corruption within the judicial system and the promotion of integrity and competence as key pillars of national development.
