Judiciary Needs Constructive Criticisms -Chief Justice tells Lawyers

By Ivy Benson
In the wake of the backlash suffered by the judiciary in recent times, the adjudicating body is asking that criticisms directed at them should be constructive in order that the rule of law is dispensed in an effective and efficient manner as the judiciary is concern about the negative perceptions against judges.

Addressing participants at the Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) held at Cape Coast, the Central Regional Capital yesterday, Chief Justice Mrs. Georgina Theodora Wood, pointed out that the judiciary is not claiming to be above criticisms but if such criticisms take a positive approach, it would assist in the adjudication of cases.

This, she noted, would be translated into a stronger judiciary and increase business activities and economic development in the country as she pledged to continue to operate an open door policy to ensure that there is rule of law in the system.

The Chief Justice, who was the guest speaker at opening ceremony of the conference, emphasized the need for judges not to be corruptible but resolute in dispensing their duties so as to ensure that there is rule of law, for which the independence of the judiciary is guaranteed.

According to Mrs. Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, even thought the judiciary is prone to errors, such blunders should not be perpetuated, as she sought help for the judiciary to address the problem.

Additionally, the Chief Justice appealed to judges to guard against arbitrary governance and be guided by predetermined laws and rules to ensure the effective management of the rule of law, which is premised under the Constitution of the country.  

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Hon, Martin Amidu, on his part, called on lawyers to accept the decisions of judges as this shows the acknowledgment of the role that the judiciary plays in enhancing the rule of law and shuns chaos within the society.

He further point out the need for the judiciary not to meddle in partisanship activities, as this creates acrimony and instability within the society, noting that the rule of law appear to be meaningful only to the elite.

Hon. Amidu therefore called on lawyers to help in this disregard as the responsibility lies in their hands to assist Government to eliminate poverty in the system.