The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr Yaw Acheampong Boafo, has emphasised the need for improved safety and security of judges and the entire judiciary, particularly ahead of the 2024 general election.

Speaking at the remembrance service for the Martyrs of the Rule of Law, held at the Cavalry Baptist Church in Accra on Sunday, June 30, he underscored the heightened stakes during this critical period.

“We cannot afford to witness and deal with similar acts of threats, intimidation, violence, vigilantism, and lawlessness, which can affect the peace and stability of Ghana and our general cast to consolidate our democratic and economic development. Yet still, the marking of a day like this should serve as a constant reminder of the need for the state government, and the management of the judicial service to enhance the security and safety of judges at all levels of the judiciary.

Reflecting on recent events, Mr Acheampong highlighted a chilling incident in Kenya where a principal magistrate was fatally attacked in open court. He urged Ghanaian authorities to learn from this tragic experience and fortify the protection of judicial officers.

Mr Acheampong also lamented the inadequate security infrastructure in many Ghanaian courts, particularly at lower levels.

He cited the absence of court warrant offices and insufficient equipment as critical deficiencies jeopardising the safety of judges and court personnel.

“Some few years ago, Justice Senyo Dzamefe of the Court of Appeal, as then President of the Association of Judges and Magistrates of Ghana, made a call for the installation of circuit television cameras at the courts to ensure surveillance of criminals and unscrupulous persons who may want to target judges and other court users.

“The GBA finds that thoughtful and implores upon government and management of the judicial service, that safe and secure judiciary is essential in ensuring that our judges and magistrates and court staff work and discharge their legal duties and go about the resolution of their cases without fear of favour and upholding the rule of law."

Mr Acheampong assured Ghanaian judges of unwavering solidarity and urged them to uphold the rule of law with integrity and professionalism. “Please continue to remain resolute and fearless in the discharge of judicial oath of doing justice to all manner of persons without fear or favour, or affection or ill will and with integrity, and professionalism.”

In closing, he called upon judges to resist undue influences and biases, pledging the GBA's commitment to supporting their pursuit of justice by Ghana's Constitution and laws.

The remembrance service honoured the sacrifices of the three judges who were killed in 1982 for defending the rule of law.