Trust in justice system key to business growth – Chief Justice

The Chief Justice of Ghana, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has stressed that investor confidence and business growth depend heavily on a strong, reliable judicial system that ensures trust and accountability.

Speaking on the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum, he emphasised that businesses, whether small or large, depend heavily on trust in the legal system to succeed.

“No matter how creative or well-funded a business may be, it cannot truly thrive without one fundamental ingredient: trust.

“And trust in any economy rests on three quiet but powerful assurances: that contracts will be honoured, that property will be protected, and that disputes will be resolved fairly, predictably, and without endless delay,” he explained.

He explained that these assurances are not distant legal concepts, but real expectations that shape everyday business decisions.

“These are not just legal principles written in books. They are the everyday expectations of every investor, every entrepreneur, and every business owner, no matter how small. And these assurances are quite simply the daily work of the judiciary,” he added.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also signalled a shift in how the judiciary sees its role, noting that it is working to become more actively involved in supporting Ghana’s economic development.

“When I assumed office, I made a conscious decision that the judiciary should no longer be a distant institution sitting in the background of our national life. Instead, we have chosen to become an active partner in creating a genuinely business-friendly environment, one firmly anchored in the rule of law,” he stated.

He cautioned that delays and inefficiencies in the justice system do more than frustrate individuals; they come at a real cost to the economy.

“We recognise that when justice is delayed, it’s not just a legal problem; it becomes an economic cost. When enforcement is uncertain, it does not merely frustrate parties; it discourages investment and holds back growth,” he said.

His remarks highlight a growing recognition that, beyond policies and funding, a dependable legal system remains key to attracting investment and driving sustainable economic progress.

NA/AE