The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has assured the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, that the Bar will make the most of his remaining time in office before his retirement in December.
Dr. Srem-Sai was responding to the Chief Justice’s welcome address to lawyers on their return from the legal vacation, in which Justice Baffoe-Bonnie disclosed that he will retire on December 26, 2026, and appealed for cooperation to dispose of as many cases as possible.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will on December 26, 2026 attain 70 years, the constitutional retirement age for Supreme Court justices.
While welcoming members of the Bar back from vacation for the 2026/2027 Legal year at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the Chief Justice called for cooperation from the Bar.
“You are very much welcome from the vacation. I hope you had a restful vacation,” the Chief Justice said, noting that some judges served as vacation judges during the break.
He commended judges and lawyers for their cooperation in handling the numerous cases last year.
“Last year there were a lot of cases and we managed to handle them and it was all due to your cooperation and input. We expect the same form of cooperation from the Bar,” he said.
He also announced measures to improve communication with lawyers, revealing that a circular has been issued to all courts to ensure registrars inform lawyers and litigants in advance when a judge will not be sitting.
He further disclosed that CI 47, the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, is undergoing revision.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie then appealed to the Bar to help clear as many cases as possible before his exit.
“I will retire by December 26, so between now and then I will plead with you so we deal with as many cases as we can,” he said.
In response, on behalf of the Bar, Dr. Srem-Sai welcomed the new notification system by the Judicial Service, describing it as a positive step.
He also used the opportunity to welcome two of the three newly approved Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices Sophia Rosetta Bernasco Essah and Anthony Forson Jnr., who were making their first appearance at the Supreme Court.
Dr. Srem-Sai then assured the Chief Justice of the Bar’s full cooperation, while playfully noting that they intend to maximize his expertise before he bows out.
“We will squeeze the best out of you before you retire,” the Deputy AG told the Chief Justice.
