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The 68th Legal Year has opened with a charge on judges, lawyers, staff of the judicial service and other stakeholders to promote accessibility, integrity and efficiency in the justice delivery system.
Speaking at a reception after a church service to usher in the new legal year last Saturday, the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, said it was imperative for all players to work together to build a robust justice system that ensured that no one was denied justice.
“Let this legal year be one in which we not only discharge our duties with excellence, but also with empathy. Let us see in every case filed, not just a docket number, but a story, a life, and a person who deserves our best,” he said.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (3rd from left), the acting Chief Justice, and other Justices of the Supreme Court in a procession to the church service. Picture: ESTHER ADJORKOR ADJEI
The 68th Legal Year, which is on the theme “Building the Pillars of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology”, commences from today, October 6, to July 31, 2026, and officially ends the two months legal vacation.
The new legal year is expected to witness cases of significant national interest which include a challenge of the constitutionality of the process that led to the impeachment of the former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, as well as a landmark constitutional interpretation as to whether the former Chief Justice can still retain her position as the Justice of the Supreme Court despite her impeachment.
Also, alleged corruption cases emanating from the government’s much touted operation recover all loot (ORAL), and cases against those involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, are also expected to take centre stage at the law courts during this new legal year.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed the importance of innovation and technology as catalysts for addressing challenges such as case backlogs, accessibility to justice, and improving justice delivery in the country.
“Embracing technology enhances transparency by allowing litigants to track their cases, reduces delays by automating repetitive processes and widens access by breaking geographical barriers.
“It also strengthens accountability by providing data that can be analysed to monitor court performance,’ he said.
However, the Acting Chief Justice noted that innovation should not be limited to systems and processes but also to the substantive laws in order to make the law meaningful to people.
“The Judiciary must be open to progressive interpretations that reflect the changing realities of society, balancing continuity with the need for justice that is relevant and living,” he added.
Earlier at the service, the Anglican Archbishop of Accra, Rt Rev Dr Sylvanus Mensah Torto, delivering the sermon, challenged the judiciary to be at the forefront in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing it as a fight for justice.
“What is justice if our children must drink chemicals instead of potable water?
Judges, lawyers and law enforcement must be firm regarding the environment. You have a responsibility to use your gowns, wigs and gavels to protect God’s creation,’ he said.
Quoting Psalm 11vs 3, he said justice must be at the heart of the country, adding ‘if justice is shaken, everything else –economy, education, security and many others crumble.”
