Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has sounded the alarm on the exploitative practices plaguing Ghana’s judicial system, particularly in land litigation cases.
Speaking at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Judicial Service Staff Association in Cape Coast, Justice Torkornoo condemned the manipulation of land documents by some Judicial Service staff for personal gain.
These individuals allegedly alter documents in favor of select individuals in exchange for bribes, undermining the integrity of the justice system.
Justice Torkornoo emphasized the urgent need for reform, urging Judicial Service staff to uphold the highest standards of public service and combat corruption within the judiciary.
Her call to action seeks to restore public trust and ensure the fair administration of justice.
Moreover, the Chief Justice expressed grave concern over the rising involvement of court staff in illicit activities.
These include fabricating divorce documents and fraudulent letters of administration, which enable the depletion of deceased individuals’ accounts and deny rightful beneficiaries their inheritance. Justice Torkornoo sternly warned those engaging in such practices to cease immediately, as they perpetuate delays in justice delivery.
To address these issues, Justice Torkornoo advocated for enhanced transparency and accountability within the Judicial Service. Her commitment to reform echoes her earlier appeals for traditional leaders to support the creation of a comprehensive land administration database ¹.
By promoting digitalization and streamlining court processes, the judiciary aims to curb corruption and ensure swifter justice.
The Chief Justice’s stance on these critical issues reflects her dedication to restoring public confidence in Ghana’s judicial system. Her leadership has been marked by efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness, as seen in her inauguration of new courts and engagement with stakeholders.
As Justice Torkornoo continues to drive reform, Ghanaians can expect a more efficient and just judicial system.
