Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo
Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has urged all stakeholders in the justice delivery sector to stay committed to making democracy work through being disciplined, competent and effective in the work done in and around the courts, as the nation prepares for the December 7 general election.
With this and the support of stuff, she is confident the Judiciary can achieve every expectation of the 1992 Constitution.
She said this in a message during a church service in Accra to usher in the 67th legal year which is under the theme, ‘Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Leadership, Innovation and Technology (LIT).’
Chief Justice Torkornoo indicated that in the coming year, the digitalisation agenda of the courts will continue unabated.
“Under the LIT pillars, the JSG (Judicial Service of Ghana) will work earnestly towards improving the culture of leadership and innovation in the way the JSG has traditionally worked, and also build on the established structures of the virtual courts and other electronic processes which give meaning to an e-justice system.
She highlighted some policies introduced in the last legal year, including a training curriculum for staff of the Judicial Service, the introduction of the Court Shift System and Small Claims Debt Recovery Court, all aimed at improving justice delivery in the country.
Chief Justice Torkornoo used the occasion to urge the staff to always have an attitude of service and sacrifice, as the reason for their being is to serve the public.
She pleaded with them to do their work with competence, diligence and key attention.
Vigilant Stewards
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, who was the guest preacher, urged judges to be vigilant stewards of justice, ensuring that the courts remain accessible, become impartial and responsive to the needs of all irrespective of wealth, class or creed.
He said the judiciary as custodians of the law must not only apply legal principles with precision but also act as stewards of truth, equity and fairness.
Relying on the Books of Isaiah and Amos, he noted that justice is not just a social issue, but a spiritual imperative rooted in the love and mercy of God.
Most Rev. Dr. Boafo indicated that although the legal system cannot be 100% perfect, it must strive to be a beacon of hope for all regardless of background, status or wealth.
He also decried the devasting effects of illegal mining which has become a major issue in the country in recent times, and urged the Judiciary to play its part in stopping what is described as injustice being done to the environment.
Peaceful Election
Most Rev. Dr. Boafo also noted that justice is a crucial ingredient for a peaceful election because it ensures fairness, transparency and accountability throughout the election process.
He, therefore, urged judges to play their role as major stakeholders in a just electoral system, adding that “there are established legal frameworks for addressing grievances, and you come in very handy, let justice flow and let us all seek peace in our country.”
BY Gibril Abdul Razak