Current successes make me wonder what we were doing in the past eight years — Chief Justice

Chief Justice Paul Baffour-Bonney has expressed surprise at what he described as the remarkable progress being achieved by some public institutions, questioning how Ghana could have “sunk so low” over the past eight years.

He made the remarks when he paid a working visit to the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) on Wednesday, September 2.

The Chief Justice commended MIIF for its achievements and attributed the progress to effective management, prudent use of resources and a commitment to serving the national interest.

“You have done marvellously well. Sometimes when we hear the things that you have done and the things that some organisations are doing now, we wonder what really we have been doing in the past eight years,” he stated.

Chief Justice Baffour-Bonney also reflected on concerns over the potential sale of strategic state assets belonging to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in the past.

He noted that the contrast with recent developments raises questions about how Ghana’s resources have been managed.

He urged public officials to remember that their positions are temporary and that their focus should be on how they will be remembered for the stewardship entrusted to them.

The Chief Justice said institutions must always put citizens at the centre of their work because public power is ultimately exercised on behalf of the people.

He noted that in the judiciary, the delivery of justice begins long before a judgment is written, stressing that the conduct of court officials, including receptionists, can shape a person’s perception of whether justice will be delivered.

“Whatever we should aim at is: how do you want to be remembered for the stewardship that was given to us? We will leave, we will pass this day,” said the Chief Justice.