Accra: Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has emphasized the necessity of inclusivity in the integration of technology within court operations to ensure equitable access to justice. “Technology must not create new divides between those who can access it and those who cannot,” he stated, highlighting the importance of empowering rural communities, the elderly, and those lacking digital literacy as the judicial system modernizes.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made these remarks during the inauguration of the 68th Legal Year, themed “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Leadership, Innovation, and Technology.” He stressed that investing in technology should be accompanied by capacity building for judges, lawyers, and court staff. “Training and re-training are essential if digital tools are to be effectively used and sustained,” he noted.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie underscored that the convergence of leadership, innovation, and technology is a strategic move to create a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready justice system. He committed to engaging stakeholders actively to build these pillars of justice, ensuring that the judiciary fulfills its constitutional mandate. “Our reforms, our systems, and our innovations must ultimately serve the ordinary citizens who come to court with hope. To them, justice delayed is not merely justice denied – it is trust betrayed. We cannot afford betrayal,” he added.
The Acting Chief Justice pointed out that embracing technology would enhance transparency by allowing litigants to track their cases, reduce delays, and widen access by breaking geographical barriers. He emphasized that technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for justice delivery, representing a new frontier of justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also addressed the challenges facing Ghana’s justice system, such as heavy caseloads, case backlogs, limited resources, and procedural delays. He asserted that these challenges could not be solved through traditional methods, advocating for innovations that cultivate a culture valuing efficiency, openness, and adaptability. “Court users ought not to encounter barriers but rather pathways with clear signage, simplified forms, helpful court staff, and procedure that respect their time and dignity,” he stated.
On leadership, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie called for collaborative efforts, bridging gaps between the court, law enforcement agencies, and communities to create a justice ecosystem responsive to societal needs. “By building partnerships across institutions, we create a justice ecosystem that is responsive to the needs of society,” he said, emphasizing that delivering justice is the lifeblood of a democratic society.
He urged the judiciary to remain bastions of fairness, impartiality, and accountability, ensuring that justice delivery is relevant and reflective of changing societal realities.