Ensure Justice Is Not Tilted Toward the Powerful – Mahama to Baffoe-Bonnie

President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly sworn-in Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to uphold a justice system that serves all citizens equally, warning against any drift toward favouring the wealthy or the politically powerful.

Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, November 17, the President said the judiciary must remain a strong defender of human rights, civil liberties, and fairness.

“I trust that under your stewardship, the Judiciary will ensure the protection of human rights and civil liberties, and that the justice system is not tilted in favour of the wealthy or powerful,” President Mahama stated.

He urged the Chief Justice to prioritise reforms that strengthen specialised courts—including those handling family matters, land disputes, commercial litigation, environmental issues, and corruption cases—to improve efficiency and public trust.

President Mahama also encouraged the expansion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, noting that many community and family-related cases can be resolved more effectively outside traditional courtrooms.

He emphasized that justice must be meaningful and accessible:

“Justice must not be an abstract principle confined to law books. It must be seen, felt, and experienced in the daily life of our people.”

The President further called for the enhancement of the Judicial Training Institute, describing it as vital for equipping judges and court staff with the skills necessary to deliver justice impartially and efficiently.