Report Court Officials Accepting Bribes – Chief Justice Tells Ghanaians

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has issued a stern warning to the public against succumbing to court officials who solicit money purportedly on behalf of judges in exchange for favorable judgments.

She emphasized that such requests are often not initiated by judges and urged people not to fall victim to such deceptive tactics employed by unscrupulous court staff aiming to enrich themselves.

Justice Torkornoo urged the public to promptly report any court staff who attempt to extort money under the pretext of passing it on to a judge. She made this appeal during her Chief Justice Community Sensitization programs held in Akwatia, within the Demkyembour District, and Kraboa Coaltar, located in the Ayensuono District, both situated in the Eastern Region.

The initiative, conceptualized by Justice Torkornoo, involves direct engagement with communities to elucidate the workings of the Judiciary and the foundational tenets of the law. The program seeks to demystify the functions of the judiciary and provide the public with a deeper comprehension and appreciation of the third arm of government.

Justice Torkornoo stressed that the public’s cooperation in reporting instances of bribery solicited by court staff would aid the Judicial Service in eradicating the deplorable and unpatriotic actions of court officials who capitalize on the opportunity to extract funds from court users under the pretext of delivering them to judges.

She voiced her stance that any court staff member—be it a registrar, interpreter, clerk, recorder, or otherwise—demanding money to pass onto a judge is engaging in theft. The funds, she clarified, often don’t reach the judges and are not even sought by them.

Justice Torkornoo urged the public to notify the police and the Judicial Service about such incidents. She assured that investigations would be conducted, and if culpability is confirmed, the staff members in question would face appropriate consequences.

The Chief Justice declared that allocating funds to complete the Saglemi housing project—abandoned under the guise of preventing increased national debt—while investing a substantial sum in the National Cathedral, signifies misplaced priorities. She denounced this practice as detrimental to the image of the Judiciary and asserted her commitment to extinguish it.

In addition to discussing various legal aspects, Justice Torkornoo highlighted the importance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) during the community engagement. She encouraged litigants to capitalize on ADR-connected courts for conflict resolution, citing its expedited process and its ability to preserve relationships between parties involved in disputes.

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