Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has launched the 150th anniversary of Ghana’s Supreme Court in Accra, using the occasion to call for a justice system that better serves ordinary citizens.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the milestone, he said the anniversary should not only celebrate the court’s long history but also inspire reflection and meaningful reform.

Under the theme, “Honouring the past, celebrating the present, and defining the future,” he urged stakeholders to prioritise building a faster, more accessible, and more transparent justice system.

Describing the event as “more than a milestone,” Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed that the true legacy of the court will be measured by its impact on people’s lives.

“History will not judge us by how long the court has existed, but by what we did with the moment entrusted to us,” he said.

He acknowledged progress made in recent years, including efforts to improve efficiency and adopt technology, but noted that many Ghanaians still face challenges in accessing timely justice.

“We cannot say that all is well.

“There are still delays, there are still barriers, and there are still moments when justice feels distant to those who need it,” he stated.

The Chief Justice highlighted persistent challenges such as court congestion, continued reliance on manual systems, and inequalities driven by cost, time, and location.

He emphasised that these are systemic issues requiring urgent attention, rather than a reflection on individual judicial officers.

He cautioned that without renewal, even long-standing institutions risk decline.

“The truth is that longevity without renewal is a quiet form of decline,” he said.

Calling for a decisive shift, he stressed that the next phase of the court’s journey must deliver tangible results, not just promises.

“The next chapter of our court must not be rhetoric; it must be a deep commitment to excellence in the delivery of justice for all,” he said.

He concluded with a stark reminder of what is at stake for citizens seeking justice; “Delayed justice is diluted justice. Obscure justice is inaccessible justice. Distant justice is denied justice.”

NA/VPO

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