The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has called for strong legal and ethical safeguards in the adoption of artificial intelligence, cautioning that while the technology offers transformative potential, it must remain firmly subject to the rule of law.
Delivering remarks at the launch of Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Accra, the Chief Justice underscored the growing influence of AI on governance, decision-making, and institutional operations, warning that its integration into society inevitably raises critical legal questions.
“The question is not whether we will engage with artificial intelligence—we are already doing so. The more important question is on what terms that engagement will occur,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that as AI systems increasingly shape outcomes in areas such as justice, governance, and economic activity, they must operate within the framework of constitutional values, including freedom, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
“Technology must serve justice, and justice must never be made to serve technology,” he stated.
He acknowledged that AI presents significant opportunities within the justice sector, including improved case management, enhanced legal research, and expanded access to justice, particularly for underserved populations. According to him, such advancements could help reduce delays, improve consistency, and bring the justice system closer to citizens.
However, the Chief Justice warned against over-reliance on automated systems in matters that directly affect individuals’ rights and liberties.
“Justice cannot be automated; It can be supported and enhanced by technology, but it cannot be replaced,” he stressed.
He raised critical concerns about the design and accountability of AI systems, questioning who builds them, what biases they may contain, and who bears responsibility for their decisions. These issues, he noted, are particularly important in cases involving personal liberty, property, and dignity.
“It will never be sufficient to say simply that ‘the system decided,’” he added.
The Chief Justice commended the National AI Strategy for its emphasis on ethics, accountability, and inclusion, describing these principles as essential rather than optional in the digital age.
He noted that Ghana has an opportunity not just to adopt AI, but to shape its development in line with constitutional and societal values.
He also highlighted the role of institutions in ensuring responsible AI adoption. Government, he said, must provide leadership; academia must train professionals with both technical and ethical expertise; the private sector must innovate responsibly; and civil society must remain vigilant in protecting rights.
For its part, the judiciary has already begun preparing for the AI era. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie revealed that the Judicial Service has initiated structured engagement programs on artificial intelligence for Supreme Court justices, with the first session held recently.
The Chief Justice urged a balanced approach to AI adoption – one that combines innovation with vigilance, ambition with restraint, and technological advancement with integrity.
“If we maintain that balance, artificial intelligence will not diminish our humanity. Rather, it will support and deepen it.”
