The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr. Yaw Acheampong Boafo, has highlighted the necessity of enhancing the safety and security measures for judges and the judiciary as a whole, especially in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 general election.
Addressing attendees at the memorial ceremony for the Martyrs of the Rule of Law at the Cavalry Baptist Church in Accra on Sunday, June 30, he emphasized the increased significance of this pivotal period.
“We cannot afford to witness and deal with similar acts of threats, intimidation, violence, vigilantism, and lawlessness, which can affect the peace and stability of Ghana and our general cast to consolidate our democratic and economic development. Yet still, the marking of a day like this should serve as a constant reminder of the need for the state government, and the management of the judicial service to enhance the security and safety of judges at all levels of the judiciary.”
Contemplating recent occurrences, Mr. Acheampong emphasized a harrowing incident in Kenya where a principal magistrate was tragically assaulted in a public courtroom. He implored Ghanaian officials to draw lessons from this sorrowful event and enhance the security measures for judicial officers.
Mr. Acheampong further expressed his concern over the insufficient security provisions in numerous Ghanaian courtrooms, especially at lower tiers. He pointed out the lack of proper court warrant offices and inadequate equipment as crucial shortcomings that compromise the safety of judges and court staff.
“Some few years ago, Justice Senyo Dzamefe of the Court of Appeal, as then President of the Association of Judges and Magistrates of Ghana, made a call for the installation of circuit television cameras at the courts to ensure surveillance of criminals and unscrupulous persons who may want to target judges and other court users.
“The GBA finds that thoughtful and implores upon government and management of the judicial service, that safe and secure judiciary is essential in ensuring that our judges and magistrates and court staff work and discharge their legal duties and go about the resolution of their cases without fear of favour and upholding the rule of law.”
Mr. Acheampong provided Ghanaian judges with a firm assurance of steadfast solidarity and implored them to uphold the principles of the rule of law with integrity and professionalism. “Please continue to remain resolute and fearless in the discharge of judicial oath of doing justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour, or affection or ill will and with integrity, and professionalism.”
In conclusion, he urged judges to withstand unwarranted influences and prejudices, affirming the GBA’s dedication to bolstering their quest for justice in accordance with Ghana’s Constitution and laws.The commemorative ceremony paid tribute to the sacrifices of the three judges who lost their lives in 1982 while upholding the principles of the rule of law.
