In a recent address, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo outlined her commitment to transforming the Judiciary and the Judicial Service, aiming to eradicate the prevalent "tag of corruption, ineptitude and inefficiency" that has plagued the system. She emphasized the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to achieve this ambitious goal.
Speaking at the launch of the "LEADing Justice" Strategic Framework, Chief Justice Torkornoo introduced an acronym, LEAD, representing Law, Ethics, Assets, Due Process, and Digitilisation. This framework serves as a blueprint for her vision of instilling ethical values and enhancing the delivery of justice within the courts.
Central to her vision is the expansion of paralegal training, extending it to over 7,000 Judicial Service Staff and various professionals working alongside the Judiciary. These professionals encompass a wide range, including police investigators, prosecutors, mediators, valuers, surveyors, and auctioneers.
Furthermore, Chief Justice Torkornoo underscored the importance of minimizing human inter-facing within court processes to mitigate exploitation and rent-seeking behavior. She stressed the significance of independence, impartiality, competence, and integrity among court officials and called for a reduction in unethical practices facilitated by intermediaries around the courts.
In her address, Chief Justice Torkornoo highlighted specific measures outlined in her vision statement, including administrative guidelines and practice directions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integrity of court proceedings. These encompass diverse areas such as alternative dispute resolution, trial procedures, and online publication of judgments and rulings.
Moreover, she expressed her intention to engage the private sector in jury services to address the prolonged attachment of jurors to the court, emphasizing the need for ethical integrity in criminal justice delivery.
Looking ahead, Chief Justice Torkornoo outlined plans for a Land Conference to address the escalating number of land disputes across the country. She emphasized the role of such initiatives in bolstering investment security and breaking down barriers to capital flow.
Furthermore, she announced the Judiciary's forthcoming digitization efforts, including the establishment of a modern archive center and digital libraries to streamline record-keeping and accessibility for citizens and court users.
In closing, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Chairman of the Council of State, commended Chief Justice Torkornoo's vision and urged for widespread awareness of her initiatives across the country.
The comprehensive Strategic Framework "LEADing Justice" presented by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo underscores her unwavering commitment to effecting positive change within the Judiciary and the Judicial Service. With a focus on ethics, efficiency, and transparency, her vision sets a promising course for the advancement of justice in the country.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
