Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has expressed serious concerns regarding how land litigation cases are handled in Ghanaian courts, pointing to exploitation by some Judicial Service staff in the management of land-related documents.
In a recent address, she highlighted troubling instances where court staff have manipulated land documents to favor certain individuals in exchange for bribes, undermining the integrity of the judicial process.
Justice Torkornoo delivered these remarks while speaking to staff of the Judicial Service in Cape Coast during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). Her comments shed light on a growing trend of corruption within the judiciary, particularly in cases related to land disputes. According to the Chief Justice, some court officials deliberately manipulate court records and land documents for personal gain, further complicating already contentious land cases. This, she said, has resulted in unjust rulings and delayed justice for many individuals and communities.
The Chief Justice emphasized the need for an immediate end to these unethical practices, urging Judicial Service staff to uphold the highest standards of public service. She called on them to act in a manner that would restore public trust in the judicial system and work to eliminate the perception of corruption within the courts. Justice Torkornoo stressed that the actions of a few corrupt individuals have cast a shadow over the entire judiciary, and it is essential that these practices are stopped to safeguard the credibility of the institution.
Beyond land litigation, Justice Torkornoo also raised concerns about the increasing involvement of some court staff in other criminal activities. She revealed that certain Judicial Service employees have been involved in creating fraudulent legal documents, including fake divorce certificates and false letters of administration. These documents are often used to deplete the accounts of deceased persons, denying rightful heirs access to their inheritance. Such fraudulent activities, she noted, not only harm families but also tarnish the image of the judiciary and contribute to delays in the delivery of justice.
The Chief Justice’s warning was clear: those involved in these illegal activities must stop immediately, as their actions are eroding public confidence in the courts. She explained that corrupt practices within the judiciary have a ripple effect, causing unnecessary delays in court cases and ultimately depriving individuals of justice. The delays in justice delivery, she said, are often the result of deliberate tampering with documents and records by court staff, who are motivated by financial incentives.
Justice Torkornoo’s remarks come at a time when the judiciary is under increased scrutiny for its handling of land disputes, which have become a major source of conflict in many parts of Ghana. Land ownership and property rights are often contested, and many cases are brought before the courts for resolution. However, the manipulation of court records and documents by corrupt officials has made it difficult for rightful landowners to obtain justice. This, in turn, has led to prolonged disputes and, in some cases, violence.
To address these issues, the Chief Justice called for a comprehensive review of the processes involved in handling land litigation cases. She suggested that stricter oversight measures be put in place to prevent court staff from tampering with documents. Additionally, she urged the leadership of the Judicial Service to ensure that employees who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable and face the appropriate legal consequences.
Justice Torkornoo’s call for reform extends beyond land litigation cases, as she also urged Judicial Service staff to maintain integrity in all areas of their work. She reminded them of their responsibility to serve the public and uphold the rule of law, regardless of any personal incentives they may be offered. The Chief Justice also encouraged the staff to take pride in their roles as custodians of justice and to contribute positively to the image of the judiciary.
The 50th-anniversary celebration of JUSAG provided an opportunity for the Chief Justice to address these pressing issues and to reiterate the judiciary’s commitment to transparency and accountability. She called on the Judicial Service to implement continuous training programs for its staff to ensure that they remain committed to ethical practices and are well-equipped to handle the complexities of legal documents and court records.
Justice Torkornoo’s speech has sparked conversations about the need for systemic reforms within the Judicial Service. Many have welcomed her candid remarks, viewing them as a step in the right direction toward addressing the corruption that has plagued the judiciary for years. However, there is also recognition that more needs to be done to enforce the Chief Justice’s directives and to ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are not only identified but also removed from their positions.
As the Ghanaian judiciary continues to face challenges in delivering timely and fair justice, the Chief Justice’s call to action serves as a reminder that the integrity of the courts must be preserved at all costs. Justice Torkornoo’s message is clear: the judiciary cannot afford to allow corruption to flourish, especially in cases as sensitive and impactful as land litigation. The public’s trust in the legal system depends on the transparency and fairness of the courts, and any breach of that trust must be addressed swiftly and decisively.
With her firm stance on corruption and her call for reforms, Chief Justice Torkornoo has set the tone for a renewed focus on accountability within the judiciary. It remains to be seen how the Judicial Service will respond to her directives, but the expectation is that significant changes will be made to ensure that the judicial system operates with the integrity and efficiency that Ghanaians deserve.
