Chief Justice Getrude Sackey Torkornoo has charged 23 newly sworn-in magistrates to work with an independent mind and be guided by the principles of equity and fairness.
The charge was in respect of the peace and stability being enjoyed by the country, which is as a result of the durability of the legal regime.
The new magistrates were, therefore, urged to be mindful of the oaths they have taken and stay faithful to the solemn promises they have made to the nation.
Justice Torkornoo was addressing the appointed magistrates on Monday, 4th March, 2024 at the Law Court Complex in Accra.
She said the citizens have confidence in the durability of the legal regime, hence judges are expected to ignore and erase personal feelings and biases in the adjudication of suits.
“It is not of a Judge’s job to please, but if done right, judicial decisions must bring satisfaction. This requires extreme dedication, integrity and unyielding adherence to principle,” she stated.
Furthermore, the magistrates were urged to be guided by the principle of property, independence, continuous learning and competence.
“I urge you to continue on the path of learning, because this career is an academic and intellectual one. Ensure that you remain abreast of the ever evolving trends of the legal and judicial procedures and practice, and their operation with and through technology,” she advised.
Mrs Torkornoo assured the new magistrates that she has committed herself and tenure to the improvement of the overall conditions of justice delivery in the country.
Alfred Tuah, Deputy Minister for Justice and Attorney General urged the magistrates not to be lord to themselves and trespass into the jurisdiction of others.
He said their appointment, to move from the bar to bench, speaks volumes of their professional skills and personal character. They are, therefore, encouraged to perform their duties without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.
In order not to go overboard, they were further reminded that their powers are highly circumscribed and that they are at the lower base of the judiciary.
“…don’t behave like some judges elsewhere who may even want to question the basis of the Attorney General in entering a nolle prosequi.
“And such a process, which was even signed by a deputy Attorney General and that process was moved by a state attorney, but a judge of the lower bench said he was not going to take it and refer to that process as a letter.
“And that process ought to have gone with a letterhead of the Attorney-General, so disgusting. That is the power that you have, don’t abuse the power, respect the power and … into the powers of others.”
Ephraim Agbesi Dzakpasu, President of Greater Accra branch of the Ghana Bar Association and on behalf of the National President of the Bar Association, urged the magistrates to be impartial arbiters and not tin-gods.
He said they are charged with the responsibility to protect individual liberty and fundamental human rights of citizens, in all disputes that will come before them.
Mr Dzakpasu was particular about magistrates who will be sent to areas where the district court is the only court and would have lawyers visiting on few occasions.
“There may be the temptation of such a magistrate behaving like a tin god and act with impunity. However, it is the expectation of the BAR that you will resist that act,” he stated.
The 23 magistrates are; Miss Anastacia Yaa Agyeiwaa Karimu, H/W Bright Ajosagi Akoande, Miss Dromo Afarley Djarbeng, Miss Jeroma Tawiah Owusu, Ms. Claudia Naa Anorkai Akuokor Abbey, Mrs. Melissa Selorm Dadson, Ms. Georgette Carmel Lutterodt, Mrs. Josephine Valeen Akorfa Akpanya-Hlover and Mr. Christian Mawusi Ntow.
The others are Mrs. Christabel Awo Tei Sasraku, H/W Stephen Tabiri, H/W Comfort Asamoah Sarpong, Miss Gloria Afua Kesewa Asamani, H/W Bitam Lari, H/W Juliana Millicent Ocran, Mr. Eric Kwarteng, Mr. Emmanuel Wiafe Adu, Mr. Jehoshaphat Achina Nyarko, Mr. Eugene Obeng-Ntim, Mr. Iddi Adama, Mrs. Olivia Acquah-Dadzie, Mr. George Wellington Arhin and Mr. Godson Etse Kumado.
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