Accra: Mrs. Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, a newly inaugurated Supreme Court Judge, has assured President John Dramani Mahama that she, along with her newly sworn-in colleagues, will maintain their independence in legal decision-making. During her remarks at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidency in Accra, Justice Essah emphasized the importance of impartiality and courage in the judiciary.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Essah, speaking on behalf of her fellow newly appointed judges, highlighted the duty of judges to interpret and apply the law faithfully. She underscored that the role of a judge is not to bend the law to personal preferences but to uphold it impartially. The ceremony witnessed the inauguration of Mrs. Justice Essah, Mr. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Mr. Justice Tony Forson, the latter of whom is a former President of the Ghana Bar Association.
Justice Essah expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the opportunity to serve on the Supreme Court of Ghana. She acknowledged the support of God, family, friends, and mentors in their professional journeys. She further pledged that the solemn oaths taken to uphold the Constitution and laws of Ghana would be reflected in every case they hear and every judgment they deliver.
Recognizing the sacred public trust associated with judicial office, Justice Essah emphasized the importance of exercising judicial authority in service to the people, rather than for personal benefit. She extended appreciation to all constitutional bodies involved in the appointment process, including the Judicial Council, the Council of State, and Parliament.
Justice Essah also expressed her readiness to collaborate with the Chief Justice and other Supreme Court colleagues to preserve the judiciary's independence and integrity. To the people of Ghana, she pledged fairness, impartiality, courage, and integrity in administering justice.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.