The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has called on members of the judiciary to preserve the integrity of Ghana's justice system while embracing reforms that will leave th
The report indicates that the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has called on members of the judiciary to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s justice system while embracing reforms that will leave the Supreme Court stronger for future generations.
It further notes that he stated every generation inherited institutions with a responsibility not only to protect their legacy but also to improve them to meet changing societal needs.
“Every generation leaves its fingerprints on the institution it inherits. Some strengthen them; others weaken them. History always tells the difference,” he stated. “The future is in our hands. We did not start this race, and we will not finish it. Our duty is to run faithfully, to preserve what must be preserved, to reform what needs reform, and to hand over a stronger court to those who will come after us. That is how great institutions endure.”
The Chief Justice made the remarks at the Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations and Lecture Series held in Kumasi on Thursday.
The event formed part of activities commemorating 150 years of the country’s apex court and brought together judges, legal practitioners, traditional rulers, academics and other stakeholders to reflect on the evolution of the judiciary and its contribution to constitutional governance.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie described the current generation of judicial officers as custodians of an institution built over many decades, saying their stewardship would ultimately be judged by history.
“Our generation now holds both the privilege and the burden of stewardship.”
He emphasised that the judiciary’s responsibility extended beyond maintaining existing structures to ensuring meaningful reforms where necessary.
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According to him, the long-term credibility of the courts depends on each generation strengthening, rather than diminishing, public confidence in the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice drew parallels between the judiciary and Ghana’s institution of chieftaincy, describing both as enduring institutions that had remained relevant by adapting to changing times without abandoning their core values.
He commended traditional authorities for demonstrating how institutions could preserve their heritage while responding to contemporary challenges.
“The institution of chieftaincy understands this truth perhaps better than most. Its strength has never rested in age alone but in its remarkable ability to carry yesterday into tomorrow without letting yesterday imprison tomorrow; to remember without becoming rigid, to evolve without forgetting who we are, and to remain rooted whilst reaching higher.”
He stated the judiciary faced a similar challenge of balancing continuity with reform.
