Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has officially launched the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Supreme Court of Ghana, urging the judiciary to build on its rich legacy by delivering faster, more accessible and transparent justice to ordinary citizens.
The launch event took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, under the theme: “The Supreme Court of Ghana @150: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Defining the Future.”
Speaking at the well-attended ceremony, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie described the milestone as more than a celebration, calling it “a moment for endless reflection and quiet gratitude.”
He stressed that 150 years after its establishment under the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876, the apex court must confront persistent challenges such as case delays and congestion.
“The true legacy of the court will be measured by its impact on people’s lives,” the Chief Justice.
He added that the anniversary should inspire meaningful reforms to make justice delivery more efficient and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
As part of ongoing infrastructure efforts to strengthen the justice system and improve access to justice, particularly in growing urban, industrial and regional areas, the Judiciary has plans to construct two new High Courts, one in Tema and another in Cape Coast.
This initiative is aimed at decongesting existing courts, addressing deteriorating infrastructure and extending quality judicial services across the country.
The event also featured the unveiling of the official 150th anniversary logo.
Dignitaries in attendance included former Chief Justices Georgina Woode and Sophia Akuffo, former Supreme Court judge Justice Yaw Apau, former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, members of the Ghana Bar Association, and other stakeholders in the legal fraternity.
As part of the anniversary, a major month-long celebration is scheduled for July 1 to 31, 2026.
Activities will include public lectures, symposia, legal outreach programmes, moot court competitions, an assembly of legal minds from across Africa, sporting events, a grand durbar, a dinner, and a thanksgiving service.
The Supreme Court, one of Ghana’s oldest surviving public institutions, was formally established on March 31, 1876. Over the past 150 years, it has played a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, even during periods of political instability and military rule.
Stakeholders at the launch paid glowing tributes to past and present judges for their contributions to strengthening judicial independence and democratic governance in Ghana.
