Judicial Office Is About Service, Not Wealth – Supreme Court Justice Warns

Judicial Integrity Must Come First, Says Justice Kulendi

A Justice of Ghana's Supreme Court, Yonny Kulendi, has issued a stern warning to lawyers and judicial officers against pursuing judicial appointments as a route to personal wealth accumulation. Speaking during the Supreme Court's 150th anniversary celebrations this week, Justice Kulendi stressed that the bench is a call to serve the nation and uphold justice, not to amass riches.

Justice Kulendi emphasised that those who seek judicial office primarily for financial gain risk undermining the independence and credibility of the entire judiciary. He underscored that judicial responsibility demands unwavering dedication to justice, national service and public accountability—values that must take precedence over material ambitions. "If you're looking for pecuniary fortunes, that's not the place," he said, cautioning against what he termed "transactional judges."

The Supreme Court Justice noted that accepting a judicial position should reflect an individual's core values and priorities rather than career advancement prospects. He stressed that a strong, independent judiciary is fundamental to creating a fair and stable society where citizens can trust the legal system.

Justice Kulendi, who joined the Supreme Court bench in May 2020, described judicial service as a profound responsibility rooted in humility and duty. He highlighted that judges must be guided by their conscience, the law and the oath they take to administer justice impartially. "An unjust society is not a society worth living in," he reflected, underscoring why judicial integrity matters to Ghana's future.