No business thrives without trust in justice system

The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has stated that trust anchored in a strong and efficient judicial system is critical for business growth and investor confidence in Ghana.

Speaking on day two of the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 4, 2026, he said no business can thrive without confidence in the legal system to enforce contracts, protect property, and resolve disputes fairly.

“No matter how creative or well-funded a business may be, it cannot truly thrive without one fundamental ingredient: trust,” he said.

“And trust in any economy rests on three quiet but powerful assurances: that contracts will be honored, that property will be protected, and that disputes will be resolved fairly, predictably, and without endless delay.”

He stressed that these assurances are not abstract legal ideals but everyday expectations of investors and entrepreneurs, and form the core responsibility of the judiciary.

“These are not just legal principles written in books. They are the everyday expectations of every investor, every entrepreneur, and every business owner, no matter how small. And these assurances are quite simply the daily work of the judiciary,” he added.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the judiciary is repositioning itself to play a more active role in Ghana’s economic development by supporting a business-friendly environment grounded in the rule of law.

“When I assumed office, I made a conscious decision that the judiciary should no longer be a distant institution sitting in the background of our national life,” he said. “Instead, we have chosen to become an active partner in creating a genuinely business-friendly environment, one firmly anchored in the rule of law.”

He warned that inefficiencies in the justice system carry real economic consequences, discouraging investment and slowing growth.

“We recognise that when justice is delayed, it’s not just a legal problem; it becomes an economic cost. When enforcement is uncertain, it does not merely frustrate parties; it discourages investment and holds back growth,” he said.