Ensure justice is not tilted toward the powerful – Mahama to Baffoe-Bonnie

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the newly sworn-in Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to ensure that the country’s justice system remains fair, balanced, and accessible to all, regardless of wealth or influence.

Addressing the Chief Justice on Monday, November 17, President Mahama expressed confidence in Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s leadership and called for a judiciary that protects human rights and civil liberties without favour.

“I trust that under your stewardship, the Judiciary will [ensure] the protection of human rights and civil liberties and that the Judiciary will ensure that justice is not tilted in favour of the wealthy or powerful,” he said.

President Mahama further urged the Chief Justice to strengthen specialised courts and divisions to deal effectively with issues such as family welfare, land disputes, commercial disputes, environmental protection, and corruption.

He also encouraged the promotion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to complement the formal court system, especially in community and family-related matters.

“Justice must not be an abstract principle confined to law books. It must be seen, felt, and experienced in the daily life of our people,” he stressed.

The  President also called for the strengthening of the Judicial Training Institute as a centre of excellence for continuing legal education to ensure that members of the judiciary remain well-equipped to deliver justice efficiently and impartially.