Judges across the country have been reminded that the credibility of Ghana’s justice system depends largely on the quality of rulings they deliver and the integrity with which they carry out their duties.
Supreme Court Justice I.O. Tanko Amadu has stressed that public confidence in the judiciary is directly influenced by judicial conduct, noting that every decision made in court either strengthens or weakens trust in the constitutional order.
“Independence and integrity are not ideals to be admired from a distance. They are lived realities expressed in daily courtrooms across the country, and you are the custodians,” he said.
Justice Amadu made the remarks at the opening of a two-day training programme on the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence in Accra, which brought together selected High Court judges, Circuit Court judges and magistrates.
The programme is being organised by the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa in Italy, in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Justice and the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Participants are expected to explore key issues including the constitutional basis of the rule of law, the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic governance, and mechanisms for protecting judicial independence at both institutional and personal levels.
Justice Amadu, who also serves as a Director of the JTI, said the rule of law remains the foundation of governance and public trust, ensuring that power is exercised within legal limits and justice is delivered impartially.
He further noted that judicial independence is a constitutional responsibility owed to citizens rather than a privilege for judges, adding that it guarantees fair outcomes free from external pressure.
“A judge who is not free cannot deliver justice,” he stated.
He also emphasized the need to balance independence with accountability through transparent recruitment processes, performance monitoring, discipline, and continuous judicial training.
The programme will also examine ethics, human rights standards, disciplinary frameworks, and comparative judicial practices through case studies.
Justice Amadu said the initiative provides an opportunity for judicial officers to exchange ideas and strengthen their capacity while remaining anchored in Ghana’s constitutional traditions.
Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Laura Ranalli, also addressed the event, highlighting that separation of powers is a core principle of Italy’s constitutional system and commending ongoing cooperation between both countries in judicial education.
She noted that such partnerships help reinforce democratic governance and strengthen the protection of human rights.
