The Executive has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the independence of the Judiciary, emphasising that a strong and autonomous justice system is vital for ensuring fairness and impartiality. It underscored that judicial independence is central to safeguarding constitutional rule, advancing equity, and reinforcing public trust in Ghana’s justice system.
Speaking at the launch of the Supreme Court’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Accra on Thursday, April 16, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo urged the Court to uphold justice without fear or favour, guided by principles that elevate justice above power, politics, and popularity.
“May the Supreme Court be inspired by the sacred symbolism of holding the scales of justice higher than power, higher than politics, higher than popularity — and may it do so without fear or favour, affection or ill-will,” she declared. Madam Addo noted that the Supreme Court remains the ultimate safeguard against arbitrariness, abuse of power, and the erosion of constitutional values.
She also called for expanded access to justice, particularly for vulnerable groups including women, persons with disabilities, and the poor.
She further emphasised that delays in the justice system undermine access, stating that “slow justice is expensive justice, and expensive justice is the one that only a few can reach.” She therefore urged the adoption of technology to speed up hearings and the delivery of judgments.
The Deputy Chief of Staff also called for stronger public trust in the judiciary, as well as increased legal literacy to help citizens better understand and access justice. “Our jurisprudence must never become rigid or closed to developments elsewhere, nor so open that it loses its grounding in Ghanaian values, culture and experience. We can learn from others without losing ourselves,” she added.
Source: Isaac Appiah Kubi
