Mahama swears in 3 new Supreme Court Justices
New Justices Take Office
President John Mahama has sworn in three new justices to the Supreme Court, urging them to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of citizens and ensure that no individual or institution is placed above the law. The newly appointed justices are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr. The three took their oaths of office during a ceremony held on Thursday, September 10, at the Jubilee House.
Supreme Court’s Role in Ghana’s Democracy
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama described the Supreme Court as a critical institution in Ghana’s democratic system, stressing its position as the country’s final judicial authority.
“The Supreme Court occupies a unique and indispensable place in governing our Republic,” he said.
According to the President, decisions of the apex court have far-reaching implications for the country, particularly in interpreting the Constitution, resolving matters of national importance and shaping the development of Ghana’s laws.
“As the final judicial authority, its decisions give meaning to our Constitution, settle questions of profound national importance and shape the evolution of our laws,” President Mahama stated.
Call for Judicial Independence
President Mahama emphasised that the authority of the Supreme Court must not be derived from political influence or force, but from the confidence and trust Ghanaians place in the judiciary.
“The authority of the Court does not rest on force or political power. It rests on the confidence and trust of the people,” he said.
He stressed the need for citizens to have confidence that cases brought before the Court would be determined fairly and without political or other external interference.
“Confidence and trust that every matter brought before it will be determined independently, impartially and strictly according to the law,” he added.
Integrity and Courage Required
President Mahama further noted that serving on the Supreme Court requires more than extensive legal knowledge and professional expertise.
He said judges of the apex court must possess qualities that enable them to make difficult decisions in the interest of justice and the Constitution.
“Those appointed to the Supreme Court must therefore possess more than just legal knowledge,” he said.
“They must demonstrate sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a deep commitment to justice,” the President added.
Upholding the Constitution
President Mahama’s charge to the newly sworn-in justices comes with a reminder of the important responsibility entrusted to members of Ghana’s highest court. He urged them to remain committed to the Constitution and the rights of citizens while exercising their judicial responsibilities independently and impartially.
The President’s remarks underscored the expectation that the new justices will contribute to strengthening public confidence in Ghana’s judicial system and uphold the principle that the law applies equally to all individuals and institutions.
