By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Supreme Court Judge, Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, has cautioned lawyers and judicial officers against viewing appointments to the Bench as an avenue for wealth accumulation, stressing that the judiciary is a sacred platform for service to God and country.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as part of activities marking the 150th anniversary of Ghana’s apex court, Justice Kulendi said individuals motivated by financial gain have no place in the judiciary.
He warned that approaching judicial appointments with a wealth-accumulation mindset could breed corruption and undermine the integrity of the justice system.
Justice Kulendi stressed that becoming a judge requires a careful examination of one’s values and priorities, noting that those seeking financial fortunes should reconsider joining the Bench.
“If your value system is looking for pecuniary fortunes, the Bench is not the place for you,” he stated.
He explained that many principled judges have chosen public service over more lucrative private legal careers, citing his own transition from his law firm, to the Supreme Court.
Beyond judicial officers, Justice Kulendi also addressed broader challenges affecting Ghana’s justice delivery system. He urged the public to stop encouraging corruption within the judiciary, emphasising that judges do not create opportunities for bribery themselves.
“Judges don’t give themselves bribes,” he said, adding that justice should never become a commodity for the highest bidder.
The Supreme Court Judge encouraged members of the public to report judicial officers who demand money or other forms of inducement, assuring them that the Judicial Service of Ghana would not protect corrupt individuals.
“The general public should be bold to expose bad nuts within the system and be rest assured that the Judicial Service of Ghana will not shield corrupt officers,” he reiterated.
Justice Kulendi also criticised lawyers who exploit legal procedures to prolong cases that have already been determined, contributing to delays and a growing backlog at the Supreme Court.
He called for possible reforms to narrow the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to prevent abuse of the legal process.
Justice Kulendi concluded by reminding judicial officers that their ultimate accountability extends beyond citizens and lies before God.
