The Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Wood, has reminded judges that they are also accountable to the 'Constitution and must, therefore, apply the law honestly and independently when they sit in judgement over people. "To consolidate judicial integrity, we must understand that we, as judges and magistrates, are not above the law; we are subject to it," she said. The Chief Justice made these observations yesterday when she swore in three new Circuit Court judges and eight magistrates. She stressed that "judicial transparency and accountability demands that indeed we should be the first to subject ourselves to the Constitution and the laws of this land and be ready to give a good account for our stewardship at all times." Justice Wood observed that the judiciary was working very hard to enhance public trust and confidence in the justice system, and hoped the new judges will contribute to realising "our vision for a strong; independent, efficient and credible judiciary." The Chief Justice said human rights institutions and advocates as well as well meaning Ghanaians have condemned the manner the judiciary manages criminal cases and the many persons in remand custody in the, over crowded, prisons. " "They are also not happy with the painfully slow and frustrating pace at which we dispose of criminal cases," she said. She told the new judges that, "We do not expect that you will pile up cases to frightening proportions and delay and thus deny justice to the good people of Ghana you have vowed to serve. "We will provide you with the requisite judicial training to enable you to discharge your duties efficiently. We in turn, will be justified in closely monitoring your performance and applying the necessary sanctions when you fall below the expected professional standards. " In spite of the challenges facing the judiciary, she said some judges and magistrates were highly industrious and productive. Justice Wood urged the new judges to exhibit a high sense of integrity and sound ethics, discipline, selfishness and efficiency. She also asked them to take up the new challenge of managing their case loads in a professional manner, and promote the use of alternative dispute resolution in order to ease the financial and emotional burden of those who may appear before them. To render justice to all, without fear or favour Justice Wood quoted from Proverbs 24: 23-25: "These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: Whoever says to the guilty, 'you are innocent'-people will curse him and nations denounce him. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them." Source: The Ghanaian Times