‘Corrupt’ judges, magistrates will not be spared – Chief Justice

Chief Justice, Sophia Abena Akuffo, has said judges and magistrates caught in any unprofessional conduct will not be spared.

Justice Sophia Akuffo said the importance of maintaining a high moral standard constitutes the hallmark of every judicial officer.

The Chief Justice said this when she swore in the first batch of nine professional career magistrates comprising four females and five males at a ceremony in Accra.

The Judicial Service employed the magistrates as career magistrates.

They undertook study leave and pursued the law degrees as well as attended the Ghana School of Law.

The Chief Justice drew the attention of the magistrates to the nation’s peace and stability noting that the “peace and stability was not sustained by wishes.” They are largely as a result of the confidence people have in our legal and administration of justice regime.”

Ms. Akuffo said “it is not our job to please, but if done right, our decisions must bring satisfaction. This requires extreme dedication, integrity and unyielding adherence to the code of conduct for Judges and Magistrates.”

She said a robust judiciary needed in equal measure good quality laws, statutes, and judges adding that a reasonable judge decides cases on their merits and within the confines of the law.

“A good quality judge is motivated by the search for justice for all- victim and aggressor, complainant and defendant and that judge conducts proper case management.