President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his government’s firm commitment to protecting the independence of the judiciary, while urging newly appointed judges to uphold professionalism and efficiency in the delivery of justice.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 37 new High Court judges on Thursday, October 23, President Mahama cautioned against what he described as the “culture of needless adjournments and delays” that often undermine confidence in the justice system.
“As President, I wish to reaffirm my government’s unwavering commitment to defending judicial independence. Yet with that freedom comes the sacred duty to uphold ethical discipline and professional excellence. The measure of our national greatness lies in how we treat our weakest citizens,” he said.
The President stressed that the relationship between the bench and the bar should be rooted in collaboration and not competition, emphasising the collective responsibility to ensure justice.
“Justice thrives when the bench and the bar act not as adversaries but as partners in the pursuit of the truth. I urge members of the bar to honour their duty as officers of the court to assist the bench, not frustrate it — to seek justice, not merely score victory. Let us end the culture of needless adjournments and delays,” he declared.
President Mahama also called on the new judges to embrace digital tools to improve the efficiency of court processes and ensure timely delivery of justice.
“Let us embrace efficiency and digital transformation of our courts. For as the saying goes, when lawyers play with time, justice becomes a casualty. Let the High Court be both the temple of the law and the house of humanity,” he urged.
Reflecting on the human impact of judicial decisions, the President reminded the judges of the lives affected by every ruling they deliver.
“Behind every written affidavit is a human story — of loss, of hope, of survival. A dismissed teacher, a family displaced, a young person wrongfully accused. In each of these cases, the judge is the final line between despair and dignity,” President Mahama said.
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