Chief Justice urges Judges to stay informed on emerging issues in Cyber security
“I urge you, colleague Judges and Magistrates, to be particularly abreast of emerging issues surrounding Cyber security and be alert, to protect victims of Cyber bullying, and other Cyber crimes"
The Chief Justice, His Lordship Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has asked Judges to stay up-to-date on issues in Cyber security, alongside a readiness to protect victims of Cyber crimes.
He stated this at the 2022 conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges Ghana (AMJG).
“I urge you, colleague Judges and Magistrates, to be particularly abreast of emerging issues surrounding Cyber security and be alert, to protect victims of Cyber bullying, and other Cyber crimes, particularly children and the vulnerable in society. We should also be mindful of our judicial oath, to ensure absolute fidelity to the rule of law and work without fear, favour, affection,” he said.
Additionally, he spoke about recent attacks and criticisms of members of the judiciary.
While noting that the judiciary is not immune from criticisms, he says the approach should remain within the boundaries of the law.
“Indeed the judiciary needs criticisms. This will enable this critical institution to be more responsive to the justice delivery requirements of the public and other players of our nation’s democracy.
While underlying the freedom of the public in general and interest groups in particular to criticize the judiciary, I wish to reiterate, that this should always be done within the boundaries of the law. Freedoms everywhere has no absolute value. Simply put, Freedom of Speech has its limits. This is an incontestable fact and we should all bear in mind when dealing with institutions of state like the judiciary.”
He meanwhile asked Judges to persist in their work regardless of the ‘misinterpretations’ and ‘misunderstanding’ of court decisions.
“Decisions of the court have sometimes resulted in an outcry within the society. However, there is misinterpretation and misunderstanding of court decisions, regardless of the motives with which they are done, and the pressures they exert on you, it should not cause you to waiver in your fidelity to the law.
Yours is to dispense justice and to uphold the rule of law irrespective of public clamour. As Judges, and Magistrates, you must always withstand such pressures as anything contrary to that will be a departure from the rule of law.”
