Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has encouraged Ghanaians to disregard individuals who request money intended to influence judges when they have legal matters before the court.
She noted that judges are often unaware of these alleged bribes due to the prevalence of corruption within their surroundings.
Addressing the audience in a video posted by UTV from a gathering on Monday, August 7, 2023, the chief justice advised Ghanaians to capture individuals who request bribes within the justice delivery system on record and refer to them as thieves.
“If a court recorder asks for money to be given to a judge ignore him, tell the person that he or she is a thief.
“Even if a lawyer tells you to give them money to take to a judge, tell the lawyer that ‘I’m ashamed of you, you should not be doing this’.
“And even worst is if a judge is asking for money, after giving the money, take a picture and tell the person you are ashamed of him or her,” she said in Twi.
Justice Torkornoo added that Ghanaians hurt themselves when they give money to be sent to judges because their victory in court cases can be turned into losses when the cases are appealed.
“Because if the other side appeals, it is easy for what you thought you have won to become a loss,” she added.