Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, using the meeting to outline reforms aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Welcoming the Chief Justice, Speaker Bagbin described the visit as historic, noting that it underscored the need for deeper collaboration between the judiciary and the legislature in consolidating Ghana’s democracy. He said cooperation between the arms of government was essential to ensure accountability, efficiency and public confidence in state institutions.
During the discussions, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie presented a vision focused on practical reforms to enhance justice delivery. He proposed expanding access to justice nationwide, including the introduction of a shift system for court operations to reduce case backlogs and delays. The Chief Justice also called for the establishment of specialised courts to handle illegal mining and related offences, issues previously highlighted by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.
He further outlined reforms in legal education, stressing the importance of training lawyers and judges in ways that reflect emerging challenges, modern technologies and evolving societal needs. Such changes, he said, were critical to maintaining a responsive and effective justice system.
Beyond policy proposals, the Chief Justice appealed for concrete institutional support to implement the reforms. These included secure office accommodation for the judiciary, improved security for judges and court personnel, and expedited clearance to recruit additional staff and specialised experts to support court operations.
The meeting was characterised by mutual respect and a shared commitment to public service, according to officials. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing structural challenges facing the justice system.
As the two men concluded their discussions, they emphasised that meaningful progress would depend on sustained collaboration, targeted reforms and the willingness to invest in institutions that safeguard justice and uphold the rule of law for all Ghanaians.