President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mrs. Efua Ghartey, has underscored the importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology into Ghana’s judiciary to strengthen justice delivery.
Mrs. Ghartey made these remarks at the 44th Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana on Wednesday, October 1, where she delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Bar. The conference, which brought together judges, magistrates, lawyers, and justice sector stakeholders, was held under the theme: “Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery.”
In her address, the GBA President described the annual gathering as “more than a tradition,” calling it “a sacred pause for reflection, a time to consider your high calling, your solemn charge and the trust our nation places upon your shoulders.”
She urged members of the bench to adapt to emerging technological trends, noting that technology has become central to modern governance and judicial practice. “This year’s theme is ample evidence that technology is now unavoidable. Therefore, it ought to be embraced by all to make justice delivery easier and more accessible,” she stressed.
Mrs. Ghartey highlighted the progress made through the E-justice system and virtual courts, both of which were accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explained that such interventions demonstrate the potential of technology to modernize the judiciary and ease the work of judges, magistrates, and lawyers.
The Bar President, however, argued that more could be done to maximize efficiency. She revealed that the GBA has long advocated for reforms to reduce bottlenecks in judicial administration.
“Whilst applauding the E-justice system, the virtual courts and other interventions made by virtue of technology, the Bar requested that technology be utilized to simplify the assignment of cases and the automatic recording of court proceedings to cut down on the time and workload,” she said.
She further called for the introduction of a court alert system that would notify stakeholders whenever there are changes in court schedules. According to her, such a system would help lawyers and litigants avoid unnecessary delays and wasted resources.
“We trust that funding models will be explored for the sustainability of these systems,” she added, pointing out that technological reforms must be backed by adequate investment to ensure their continuity.
Mrs. Ghartey acknowledged its growing influence across various sectors, including law. She noted that while AI presents opportunities to improve efficiency, it also carries risks that must be carefully managed.
“With the use of technology comes the growing reliance on artificial intelligence and the need to verify the authenticity of some of our legal authorities,” she cautioned.
She urged judges to ensure that the application of AI tools in the courts does not compromise the time-honored values of accountability, transparency, openness, and accessibility. “Do us proud by ensuring that our justice delivery system is undergirded by the principles of accountability, transparency, openness and accessibility,” she told the gathering.
Mrs. Ghartey also referenced Ghana’s performance on the global Rule of Law Index, where the country is ranked 62nd overall, 7th out of 34 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 3rd among 38 lower-middle-income countries, with a score of 0.55.
“A high ranking on the Rule of Law Index is a huge attraction to the business community, foreign investors, tourists and the international community at large,” she stated, but emphasized that the ultimate goal should not only be international recognition.
Beyond technology, the GBA President reminded judges and magistrates of their moral duty as custodians of justice. She described them as “the conscience keepers of the nation” whose courage and integrity safeguard Ghana’s democracy.
“Where you act with courage and integrity, public trust deepens and Ghana’s moral foundations are strengthened before the world,” she remarked.
On behalf of the Ghana Bar Association, Mrs. Ghartey commended the judiciary for its dedication and pledged the continued support of the Bar in advancing reforms that make justice delivery more efficient and credible.
“We, the Ghana Bar Association, commend your labour and pray that this conference will bear rich fruits in wisdom, courage and a renewed dedication to the sacred cause of justice,” she concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
