Ghana’s justice system has come under renewed scrutiny, with leading figures in the legal fraternity calling for bold reforms, stronger institutions and a renewed commitment to excellence as the Supreme Court marks 150 years of its existence.
At the heart of the anniversary celebrations was a unifying message from across the bench, bar and broader legal community: that while the judiciary’s long history is worthy of celebration, its future relevance will depend on its ability to deliver faster, more transparent and more accessible justice. Speakers emphasised that the milestone must serve not merely as a ceremonial reflection, but as a catalyst for reforms that strengthen public confidence, improve service delivery and position the judiciary to meet evolving national demands.
A moment of reflection and reform
Leading the call was Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who set the tone for the occasion with a strong appeal for introspection and forward-looking reforms.
Speaking at the launch of the anniversary under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present, and defining the future,” he described the 150-year milestone as a moment of both pride and responsibility.
“This anniversary is more than a milestone; it is a moment for honest reflection, quiet gratitude, and bold hope,” he said, urging stakeholders to look beyond the longevity of the institution and focus on its impact on society.
According to him, the true measure of the judiciary will not be how long it has existed, but what it has achieved in strengthening justice delivery.
“History will not judge us by how long the court has existed; it will judge us by what we did with the moment entrusted to us,” he stated.
Call for faster, transparent justice
The Chief Justice stressed the urgent need for reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
He outlined a vision of a judiciary that is faster, more accessible and more transparent in its operations.
“This anniversary must be remembered as a commitment to faster justice, accessible justice, transparent justice and a judiciary worthy of the enduring trust of the Ghanaian people,” he emphasised.
Judicial staff key to system’s strength
His remarks were reinforced by Samuel Afotey Otu, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), who drew attention to the critical but often overlooked role of judicial staff in the administration of justice.
Mr. Otu highlighted the indispensable contributions of court clerks, administrative personnel and other support staff, describing them as the backbone of the judiciary.
“Behind every landmark judgement is the silent but vital support of hardworking staff who keep the wheels of justice turning,” he said.
He called for increased investment in human resources, improved working conditions and the adoption of technology to modernise court processes.
“As we look into the future, we must continue to invest in people, innovation, and better conditions of service for judicial staff and judges,” he stated.
Digital transformation and capacity building
Mr. Otu further stressed the need to deepen digital transformation within the judiciary to improve efficiency and expand access to justice, particularly in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“We must strengthen institutional capacity, deepen digital transformation, and ensure the welfare of all who work in the justice system,” he added.
He maintained that a well-supported workforce is central to maintaining the integrity of the courts and sustaining public trust in the judicial system.
Upholding rule of law, rejecting tribunals
Adding a historical and constitutional perspective, former Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye, cautioned against any attempts to undermine the authority of the formal court system.
He warned against the re-emergence of extra-judicial mechanisms such as public tribunals, which he said had posed challenges to the judiciary in the past.
“Our courts have been through several trajectories, including challenges from public tribunals under the PNDC revolutionary years,” he noted.
Prof. Oquaye emphasised that the rule of law must remain the guiding principle in national governance, with the courts serving as the ultimate arbiters of justice.
“The Supreme Court remains the final arbiter in all legal and constitutional matters, and its authority must be respected at all times,” he stressed.
Need for continuous legal reforms
He also called for closer collaboration between the judiciary and Parliament to address gaps within Ghana’s legal framework, noting that continuous reforms are necessary to strengthen governance and justice delivery.
According to him, while Ghana’s judicial history has not been without challenges, the country must resist any temptation to revert to systems that fall outside constitutional structures.
“For this matter, I will say, let not the tribunals come back as thought alternatives in the modern world,” he cautioned.
Quality legal education critical
Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, brought attention to another critical pillar of the justice system — legal education — arguing that the quality of lawyers ultimately determines the strength of the judiciary.
She called for a renewed focus on producing competent and ethically grounded legal practitioners, stressing that expanding access to legal education must not come at the expense of quality.
“Legal education must be focused on quality more than on numbers… if you have to sacrifice anything, sacrifice the numbers for quality,” she said.
Transparency and accountability in justice delivery
Justice Akuffo also highlighted the importance of transparency in justice delivery, describing it as essential to accountability and public confidence.
According to her, judicial decisions remain the most critical output of the courts, and therefore must meet the highest standards of reasoning, fairness and clarity.
Reflecting on the role of judges, she described the position as one that demands constant self-evaluation and a deep commitment to justice.
She urged the judiciary to remain responsive to changing societal expectations while staying grounded in constitutional principles.
“The judiciary must remain fit for purpose,” she said, noting that its relevance will depend on its ability to adapt while maintaining credibility and integrity.
A judiciary at a turning point
The convergence of views from the various speakers underscored a shared recognition that Ghana’s judiciary stands at a pivotal moment.
While its 150-year history represents a legacy of resilience and institutional development, the demands of a modern society require a renewed focus on efficiency, transparency and accountability.
The anniversary celebrations, therefore, go beyond commemorating the past.
They represent a call to action — a reminder that the strength of the judiciary lies not only in its history, but in its capacity to evolve and respond to the needs of the people it serves.
As Ghana reflects on a century and a half of judicial development, the message from the country’s legal leaders is clear: the future of justice must be deliberately shaped through reforms, investment and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
