Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged journalists to refrain from turning court proceedings into media trials, cautioning that irresponsible reporting on cases yet to be determined could influence judicial outcomes. He acknowledged the media’s important role in holding the judiciary accountable and informing the public about court proceedings but stressed the need for journalists to uphold the constitutional presumption of innocence. He warned against publications or broadcasts that portray accused persons as guilty before the courts have delivered their verdicts.
The Chief Justice made these remarks at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held in Accra last Saturday. The event was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, other government officials, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, presided over the ceremony, while the Asantehene and Patron of the GJA, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was represented by the Nkoranzamanhene, Nana Kwame Baffoe IV. The ceremony had the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age”.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasised the importance of careful reporting on cases that are currently before the courts. He stated that media coverage should not aim to influence the outcomes of legal proceedings or draw public conclusions before the courts have had the chance to examine the evidence.
“A person accused of an offence remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he noted. He made a distinction between legitimate criticism of judicial decisions and attempts to intimidate the courts or replace judicial outcomes with public opinion. “Criticism of judicial decisions is valid. However, attempts to intimidate the courts or to substitute public opinion for judicial determinations are not,” he stated.
Judicial independence
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasised that while the judiciary and the media serve different functions, both play vital roles in Ghana’s constitutional democracy. Referring to Article 125 of the 1992 Constitution, he noted that justice derives from the people and is administered on their behalf by an independent judiciary. He explained that judicial independence is not a benefit reserved for judges but a protection for citizens, guaranteeing that their rights and responsibilities are adjudicated impartially, free from fear, favour or external interference.
According to the Chief Justice, the media must continue to operate freely by holding public institutions accountable, scrutinising the justice system and drawing attention to matters of legitimate public concern. At the same time, he said, the judiciary should remain receptive to constructive public scrutiny while safeguarding its independence and integrity.
Safety of journalists
The Chief Justice also stressed the need for stronger protection for journalists, condemning acts of violence, threats, intimidation and harassment against media practitioners in the line of duty. He noted that journalists should not be forced to choose between reporting the truth and safeguarding their personal security, emphasising that their safety was essential to protecting the public’s right to information.
“Protecting journalists goes beyond their professional welfare; it is fundamental to safeguarding the people’s right to know,” he stated. He called on stakeholders to help create an environment where journalists could freely investigate, report and express their views without fear, noting that press freedom could only be meaningful when media practitioners were able to exercise it safely and responsibly.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also urged journalists to maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness and respect for the rights of others, particularly amid the growing influence of digital publishing, artificial intelligence and the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation.
