Speaking at the 45th Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG), Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized the need for judicial officers to balance their duty with their humanity. He noted that the demands of the Bench should not prevent them from maintaining meaningful relationships and a balanced life outside the courtroom. The conference was held on the theme: "Balance Beyond the Bench - Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life."
The Chief Justice acknowledged that judicial office comes with significant demands, requiring intellectual discipline, emotional restraint, patience, and courage. He explained that behind every judgment is a human being who must read, listen, deliberate, and make decisions that can have profound consequences for others. A person's liberty, family home, business, or future may depend on a ruling, he said.
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed that judicial officers must remain conscious of their own humanity while carrying the burdens associated with the office. He shared his personal experiences of making public appearances and undertaking official engagements outside of his judicial duties. While acknowledging that a more cautious approach might sometimes have been preferable, he said these experiences reinforced the importance of not abandoning one's humanity after assuming judicial office.
The Chief Justice urged judicial officers to make time for their families and relationships outside the Bench. He noted that family relationships should not be viewed as distractions from judicial responsibilities but as an essential part of the humanity of judicial officers. He cautioned against waiting until retirement to realise that too much time had been spent serving an institution at the expense of loved ones.
According to Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, a balanced judicial officer is better positioned to serve the public. He stressed that the welfare of judges and magistrates has implications for judicial independence, institutional integrity, and the quality of justice. The pursuit of balance must not become an excuse for neglecting judicial duties, he emphasised.
The Chief Justice implored the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana to promote a professional culture in which excellence and accountability coexist with the welfare and humanity of judicial officers. He said that the Judiciary needs the best years of its officers, but their families also deserve some of that time.
In conclusion, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said, "The robe may require restraint, discipline and distance, but it must never require us to cease being human." He encouraged judicial officers to learn how to be both judges and human beings without allowing either identity to compromise the other.
Key points
- Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urges judges to balance duty and humanity.
- Judicial officers must remain conscious of their humanity while discharging their responsibilities.
- A balanced judicial officer is better positioned to serve the public.
