Deliver justice swiftly & impartially– Akufo-Addo to 21 new High Court judges

President Akufo-Addo has urged the twenty-one newly appointed justices of the High Court of Judicature to diligently fulfill their responsibilities in delivering justice to the people of Ghana promptly and impartially.

Speaking at the Jubilee House banquet hall on Monday, September 30, 2024, following the administration of their oaths of office, allegiance, and secrecy, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that by stepping into their roles, the justices have been entrusted with the welfare of the Ghanaian people, and they must not let them down.

“The High Court, as defined in Article 140 of the constitution, serves as a superior court of record with jurisdiction over all matters, particularly civil and criminal cases. Its importance is paramount, as it is where most judicial proceedings begin and often conclude,” he stated. “Here, vital decisions that impact the lives of everyday Ghanaians are made. The authority and respect this court commands are crucial for the effective governance of our nation. To our newly appointed justices, your role extends beyond mere legal interpretation; it is also about delivering justice with integrity and fairness.”

“The Ghanaian public expects you to exhibit honesty, sound judgment, and a firm commitment to the rule of law. A corrupt or incompetent judge not only fails in their role but also poses a serious threat to the justice system and the public good,” President Akufo-Addo added.

Addressing delays

In his remarks, the President highlighted the persistent issue of delays within the justice system, which many Ghanaians find concerning, particularly regarding its impact on attracting investment to the country.

He pointed out that various statutes have been enacted to empower judges in managing their courts and ensuring timely resolution of cases. The President urged the judges to eliminate unnecessary delays in their proceedings.

“We have made significant progress in addressing judicial delays, which were once seen as unavoidable. Previously, judges often allowed parties to dictate the pace of cases, leading to considerable delays. However, with the introduction of case management provisions in CI (Constitutional Instrument) 47 of 2004 and subsequent reforms in CI 84 of 2014, judges now have the necessary tools to effectively manage their courtrooms,” he explained.

“This is vital not only for the administration of justice but also for enhancing Ghana’s reputation as an attractive investment destination. Prolonged litigation can erode the confidence of both investors and citizens. Therefore, I urge you to remain vigilant against unnecessary delays and ensure justice is delivered efficiently,” President Akufo-Addo concluded.

Commitment to Justice

In response to the President’s charge, Justice Anima Asare, one of the new justices, conveyed the collective commitment of the judges to uphold their oaths in their judicial duties. She assured that they would treat all individuals who appear before them fairly according to the law and expressed gratitude to the President for the trust he has placed in them.

The New Justices

Among the twenty-one newly appointed justices, sixteen have been promoted from previous roles as Circuit Court judges, while five are transitioning from private practice. The new justices include

Justices Abigail Animah Asare

Dorinda Smith-Arthur

VeroniquePraba Tetteh

Charles Kwasi Acheampong

Arit Nsemoh

Abdul-Razak Musah

Samuel D. Kotey

Stephen Kumi

Abass Abubakari Adams

Felix DatsomorAgnes

Opoku-Barnieh

Afia Owusuaa Appiah

Ellen Ofori-Ayeh

Winnie Amoatey-Owusu

Enid Marful-Sau Kizita

Naa Koowa Quarshie

Ernest Pascal Gemadzie

Nathan Parker Yarney

Oliver Abada

Frimpong Amoako

Akosua Dansoa Asiama Christopher