The 150th anniversary celebration of Ghana’s Supreme Court was officially launched in Accra yesterday, under the theme: “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the anniversary logo, marking the beginning of a month-long commemoration of the apex court’s contribution to Ghana’s legal and democratic development.
The ceremony brought together key figures within the legal fraternity, including past Superior Court judges, members of the Bar, and other stakeholders, who reflected on the court’s enduring role in upholding justice and strengthening democracy.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, underscored the importance of public perception in sustaining the judiciary’s legitimacy. She noted that at a time when trust in state institutions remains a concern, the judiciary must remain attentive to how it is viewed by citizens.
She emphasised that the effectiveness of the courts is closely linked to public confidence, warning that any disconnect could undermine the justice system.
“Research points to a real decline in public trust in the judiciary, when the Court listens to the people, it honours its own foundation,” she said.
The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency within the judicial system. He pointed to the implementation of an e-justice programme, which includes digital filing, electronic service processes, virtual hearings, and digitised records to reduce delays.
He also mentioned plans to establish specialised courts to handle emerging areas of law, stressing that the future of the judiciary must be guided by a strong moral commitment to excellence.
The Chief Justice emphasised the need for reforms that will strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and improve service delivery.
“This anniversary therefore must be remembered as a commitment to faster justice, accessible justice, to transparent justice and a judiciary worthy of the enduring trust of the Ghanaian people,” he stated.
On legal education, former Chief Justice Justice Sophia Akuffo, who chaired the event, called for a renewed focus on quality over quantity in the training of lawyers.
“Legal education reforms must focus on quality more than in the numbers, and if you have to sacrifice anything, sacrifice the quantity,” she stated.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Aaron Mike Oquaye, urged the public to respect the decisions of the Supreme Court, describing them as final and binding outcomes derived through due process.
“We must accept judgments because they are duly made by the highest court of Ghana. The law should always be supreme in a civilised society,” he said.
He added that criticisms of judicial rulings should be measured and rooted in respect for the Constitution, noting that no arm of government, including Parliament, operates above it. He further called for stronger collaboration between the judiciary and legislature to address gaps in the country’s legal framework.
Also speaking at the event, former Supreme Court judge Justice Yaw Apau described the court as a cornerstone of Ghana’s constitutional order, urging stakeholders to safeguard its independence while embracing modernisation.
Tracing its origins to the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876, he explained that the court evolved from a colonial legal system grounded in English common law, which coexisted with indigenous customary systems, creating a dual legal structure.
Justice Apau stressed the importance of judicial innovation, particularly the expansion of digital systems to improve case management, reduce delays, and enhance access to justice, while maintaining fairness and due process.
The anniversary celebration is expected to provide an opportunity for reflection on the court’s history, while shaping discussions on reforms needed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing society.
