Do not impede justice delivery- Chief Justice warns new judges
Gilbert Boyefio
28/08/2008
Her Ladyship, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Chief Justice of Ghana, has described as unacceptable the alarming practice whereby some judges and magistrates delay cases through heaping of partly-heard cases in the administration of justice in the country.
She pointed out that that practice was improper by any standards, irrespective of the many defences and excuses those caught in this disturbing web had feverishly tried to proffer.
According to her, it did not require any formal training in judicial case management to appreciate that this practice "is a most retrogressive way of running 21st century courts in a globalize world, never forgetting that the country under reference is in its developing stages".
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of judges and magistrates for the Court of Appeal, Circuit Court, and District Magistrate Court, Her Ladyship Justice Georgina Wood observed that the heaping of partly-heard cases by judges create enormous difficulties for the key actors in the justice delivery system, including the administration.
She pointed out that those who are affected most by this bewildering court management practices are undoubtedly "the public whom we [the judiciary] are expected to serve diligently". She said such dangerous practices create untold financial, emotional and psychological difficulties for court users.
Justice Georgina Wood cautioned the new judges not to perceive the swearing-in ceremony as an empty ritual because according to her, by the public administration of the oath of allegiance, they were making a solemn promise to the public of their commitment and allegiance to justice and the rule of law, adding, "you are making the commitment to do right to all manner of people according to law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."
She advised them to assert their independence as judges and insulate themselves from any influence which might unbalance the scales of justice. She said exhibiting those qualities, attributes, or traits did not detract from the dignity of their office. She again challenged them to exercise judicial restraint which would earn them a lot of respect.
"To be appointed to this office is a honuor and I earnestly appeal to you to live above reproach, remembering at all times that a well functioning system of justice is the source of a strong, free and democratic society. I can assure those who will make it their aim to let the truth and candour be their watch word as they strive to serve the people of Ghana dutifully, will enjoy a very fruitful, rich and rewarding experience on the bench", she added.
She further noted that as circuit court judges and magistrates, the clearest evidence that one indeed deserved elevation to the next level of court, was for one to work hard, while demonstrating a clear knowledge of both substantive and procedural laws, a commitment to judicial integrity, a passion for justice and the rule of law, and respect for the people one had been called to serve.
She also used the occasion to appeal to experienced legal practitioners to join the bench. According to her, "public service may not be lucrative as being in private practice, but the satisfaction of being able to contribute to the public good cannot compare to any economic windfall that may be derived from the private Bar."
The swearing-in ceremony was done in accordance with Article 148 of the 1992 Constitution. Judges sworn-in at the short ceremony were, one Court of Appeal judge, 11 Circuit Court judges and eight district magistrates. These included newly called to the bench and those elevated from their previous positions.
The Chief Justice explained that Irene Charity Danquah, would have been appointed and sworn-in as a Court of Appeal judge with the last batch of judges who were appointed to the superior court in April this year, was deferred to allow her time to wind up her private practice and other related matters before taking on the new position.
28/08/2008
Her Ladyship, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Chief Justice of Ghana, has described as unacceptable the alarming practice whereby some judges and magistrates delay cases through heaping of partly-heard cases in the administration of justice in the country.
She pointed out that that practice was improper by any standards, irrespective of the many defences and excuses those caught in this disturbing web had feverishly tried to proffer.
According to her, it did not require any formal training in judicial case management to appreciate that this practice "is a most retrogressive way of running 21st century courts in a globalize world, never forgetting that the country under reference is in its developing stages".
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of judges and magistrates for the Court of Appeal, Circuit Court, and District Magistrate Court, Her Ladyship Justice Georgina Wood observed that the heaping of partly-heard cases by judges create enormous difficulties for the key actors in the justice delivery system, including the administration.
She pointed out that those who are affected most by this bewildering court management practices are undoubtedly "the public whom we [the judiciary] are expected to serve diligently". She said such dangerous practices create untold financial, emotional and psychological difficulties for court users.
Justice Georgina Wood cautioned the new judges not to perceive the swearing-in ceremony as an empty ritual because according to her, by the public administration of the oath of allegiance, they were making a solemn promise to the public of their commitment and allegiance to justice and the rule of law, adding, "you are making the commitment to do right to all manner of people according to law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."
She advised them to assert their independence as judges and insulate themselves from any influence which might unbalance the scales of justice. She said exhibiting those qualities, attributes, or traits did not detract from the dignity of their office. She again challenged them to exercise judicial restraint which would earn them a lot of respect.
"To be appointed to this office is a honuor and I earnestly appeal to you to live above reproach, remembering at all times that a well functioning system of justice is the source of a strong, free and democratic society. I can assure those who will make it their aim to let the truth and candour be their watch word as they strive to serve the people of Ghana dutifully, will enjoy a very fruitful, rich and rewarding experience on the bench", she added.
She further noted that as circuit court judges and magistrates, the clearest evidence that one indeed deserved elevation to the next level of court, was for one to work hard, while demonstrating a clear knowledge of both substantive and procedural laws, a commitment to judicial integrity, a passion for justice and the rule of law, and respect for the people one had been called to serve.
She also used the occasion to appeal to experienced legal practitioners to join the bench. According to her, "public service may not be lucrative as being in private practice, but the satisfaction of being able to contribute to the public good cannot compare to any economic windfall that may be derived from the private Bar."
The swearing-in ceremony was done in accordance with Article 148 of the 1992 Constitution. Judges sworn-in at the short ceremony were, one Court of Appeal judge, 11 Circuit Court judges and eight district magistrates. These included newly called to the bench and those elevated from their previous positions.
The Chief Justice explained that Irene Charity Danquah, would have been appointed and sworn-in as a Court of Appeal judge with the last batch of judges who were appointed to the superior court in April this year, was deferred to allow her time to wind up her private practice and other related matters before taking on the new position.
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