Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has expressed serious concerns about the handling of land litigation cases by some staff members within the Judicial Service, accusing them of exploiting the system for personal gain.
She revealed that some court officials have been manipulating land documents in favour of specific individuals in exchange for bribes, undermining the integrity of the judiciary.
Justice Torkornoo made these remarks during a meeting with Judicial Service staff in Cape Coast, as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Judicial Service Staff Association.
She called for immediate action to stop these unethical practices, urging the staff to uphold higher standards of public service and work diligently to change the public’s negative perception of corruption within the judiciary.
The Chief Justice further expressed concern over the increasing involvement of some court employees in other criminal activities.
She pointed out that there have been instances of staff creating fake divorce documents and fraudulent letters of administration, which are then used to deplete the accounts of deceased persons, robbing rightful heirs of their inheritance.
These unlawful activities, according to Justice Torkornoo, contribute significantly to delays in the justice delivery system, causing frustration and hardship for those seeking legal redress.
She emphasised that such practices must be eliminated to restore trust in the judicial system and improve its efficiency.
The Chief Justice issued a stern warning to those involved in these illicit activities, urging them to desist immediately.
She vowed to take the necessary steps to ensure that those engaging in such misconduct face severe consequences, as part of broader efforts to reform the judicial system.
