Accra: President John Mahama on Thursday swore in three new Supreme Court Judges, urging them to let the Constitution remain their compass. The newly appointed judges are Mrs. Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Mr. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Mr. Justice Tony Forson. Justice Essah and Justice Asante were both Court of Appeal Judges, while Justice Forson is a private legal practitioner and a former President of the Ghana Bar Association.
According to Ghana News Agency, during the swearing-in ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Presidency in Accra, President Mahama emphasized the critical role the judges will play in adjudicating matters that may evoke strong public emotions and political interests. He encouraged the judges to remain steadfast and unbiased, irrespective of external pressures or criticisms. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
President Mahama congratulated the new judges and expressed his desire for them to have a successful and distinguished tenure. He urged them to let the quality of their reasoning define their legacy, ensuring fairness in their decisions and unwavering loyalty to the Constitution. He reminded them that behind every case file are individuals whose rights and futures depend on their judgments.
Highlighting the diverse strengths that each new judge brings to the Supreme Court, President Mahama noted that Justice Essah brings extensive bench experience, Justice Asante offers national appellate experience and regional leadership, and Justice Forson provides practical insights from private legal practice. He added that these experiences would enrich the Court's deliberations and contribute to the development of Ghanaian law.
President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to judicial independence, stating that it protects citizens by ensuring fair determinations of their rights. He emphasized that judicial independence must be matched by accountability, discipline, and fidelity to duty. He also stressed the importance of public confidence in the judiciary, which relies on sound decisions, judges' conduct, court accessibility, and timely justice delivery.
Expressing concern over delayed justice, President Mahama urged the judiciary to pursue reforms that enhance efficiency and embrace technology to make justice more accessible. He encouraged the Supreme Court to communicate its reasoning clearly, providing guidance to lower courts and public institutions, thereby strengthening public trust in the judicial process.
On behalf of her colleagues, Mrs. Justice Essah expressed gratitude to President Mahama for his confidence in their appointment. She acknowledged the role of divine guidance in their careers, affirming their commitment to uphold the Constitution and administer justice impartially. She emphasized the judiciary's role as a public trust and their duty to interpret and apply the law faithfully and courageously.