Supreme Court Justice nominee Anthony Henry Kwofie, during his recent vetting by the Appointment Committee of Parliament, underscored the need for the judiciary to establish a robust public relations department.
He emphasized that effective communication is crucial in addressing corruption perceptions and rebuilding public trust in the judiciary.
Mr Kwofie acknowledged the challenges associated with combating the perception of corruption, citing previous seminars conducted by the judiciary on corruption and ethics.
“Communication in this age is extremely important…probably we need to look at our communication department. It is something I have personally been advocating for that we need a very strong communications or public relations department,” he added.
He also mentioned the existence of a complaint unit within the judiciary. However, he noted the limitations judges face in dispelling corruption perceptions through press conferences.
To tackle this issue, Mr Kwofie emphasized the paramount importance of communication in the contemporary age.
He urged a reevaluation of the judiciary’s communication department, personally advocating for the creation of a strong communications or public relations department.
According to him, such a department would play a pivotal role in promoting transparency and effectively managing the judiciary’s public image.
“The perception about corruption is a mind issue and perceptions are difficult to deal with. There have been several seminars not by the association but by the judiciary on corruption, on ethics and as I said we also have a complaint unit…Almost every year we do it.
“The perceptions of corruption, some of them are unfounded. Somebody goes to court, he loses a case, and there is corruption. Somebody goes to court, he misconducts himself, there is an issue, there is corruption. Unfortunately, we as judges cannot sit and make press conferences and say that this is this,” he said.
“Communication in this age is extremely important…probably we need to look at our communication department. It is something I have personally been advocating for that we need a very strong communications or public relations department,” he added.