Justice is the engine of growth – Chief Justice

Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called for a fundamental transformation of Ghana’s legal system, emphasizing that the Judiciary must evolve from a passive institution into a central driver of the nation’s economic growth strategy.

Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Chief Justice delivered a keynote address in which he underscored the critical link between judicial performance and economic development. He argued that an efficient and reliable judicial system is no longer just a constitutional necessity but a cornerstone for attracting and sustaining high-value investments in Ghana.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that for any economy to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment, investors must have absolute confidence in the legal system—particularly in the timely and predictable resolution of commercial disputes. According to him, without such assurance, even the most promising investment opportunities may fail to materialize.

Challenging the widely held belief that capital and innovation alone determine business success, the Chief Justice highlighted trust as the most essential ingredient for a stable and prosperous market. He stressed that this trust is built on the strength and credibility of the Judiciary.

“No matter how creative or well-funded a business may be, it cannot truly thrive without one fundamental ingredient: trust,” he stated. “And trust in any economy rests on three quiet but powerful assurances: that contracts will be honoured, that property will be protected, and that disputes will be resolved fairly, predictably, and without endless delay.”

He elaborated that these three pillars—contract enforcement, property protection, and efficient dispute resolution—form the foundation of every successful economy. These are not abstract legal ideals, he noted, but practical expectations shared by all stakeholders, from small-scale entrepreneurs operating in local markets to multinational corporations making large-scale investments.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further revealed a significant policy shift within the Judiciary under his leadership. Departing from the traditional perception of judicial neutrality as institutional distance, he announced a deliberate move toward active engagement in national development. He stated that the Judiciary is now positioning itself as a strategic partner in fostering a business-friendly environment grounded in the rule of law.

“When I assumed office, I made a conscious decision that the judiciary should no longer be a distant institution sitting in the background of our national life,” he said. “Instead, we have chosen to become an active partner in creating a genuinely business-friendly environment, one firmly anchored in the rule of law.”

Addressing long-standing inefficiencies within the legal system, the Chief Justice acknowledged that delays in the administration of justice have historically posed significant challenges. He warned that such inefficiencies carry serious economic consequences, extending beyond legal frustration to directly affecting investor confidence and national growth.

“We recognise that when justice is delayed, it’s not just a legal problem; it becomes an economic cost. When enforcement is uncertain, it does more than frustrate parties—it discourages investment and holds back growth,” he cautioned.

He noted that in a global economy where investors have multiple options, countries with slow or unpredictable legal systems risk being overlooked. Therefore, improving judicial efficiency is essential not only for fairness but also for maintaining Ghana’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

In his concluding remarks, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the rule of law delivers tangible benefits to the business community. He encouraged private sector stakeholders to shift their perception of the courts—from viewing them as bureaucratic hurdles to recognizing them as dependable protectors of their investments and commercial interests.

“These are not just legal principles written in books. They are the everyday expectations of every investor, every entrepreneur, and every business owner, no matter how small,” he concluded. “And these assurances are quite simply the daily work of the judiciary.”