President John Dramani Mahama has called on newly appointed High Court judges to help eliminate unnecessary adjournments and delays in the justice system, describing such practices as avoidable obstacles to fair adjudication.
He made the remarks during the swearing-in of 37 new High Court judges at the Jubilee House in Accra, where he emphasized the need for professionalism, impartiality, and integrity in the delivery of justice.
The new justices, comprising 31 Circuit Court judges and 6 lawyers, took the Oaths of Allegiance, Judicial Oath, and Oath of Secrecy before receiving their official instruments of appointment from the President.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama highlighted that the judges were selected by the Judicial Council after a rigorous vetting process that ensured each candidate had served at least ten years on the lower bench or at the Bar and met all constitutional requirements.
He described the ceremony as more than a routine appointment, calling it a reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic governance.
“This ceremony represents more than an appointment. It is a renewal of our faith in the enduring principle that justice is the fairness pillar of our democracy and that Ghana shall always be governed by law, never by the whims of capricious power,” President Mahama stated.
The President further described the High Court as the “people’s court,” where the law most directly affects the daily lives of citizens. He urged the judges to remain **incorruptible** and ensure that their decisions are guided solely by evidence and legal principles.
“Be incorruptible, not only in fact but also in perception. Let every citizen who appears before you believe their fate rests on the law and the evidence, never on influence or connections,” he advised.
Highlighting the connection between justice and national development, President Mahama said an efficient judiciary is key to promoting good governance, investor confidence, and social stability.
“Justice and development are not separate ideals; they are inseparable twins of the same mother. A nation that invests in infrastructure but neglects the rule of law builds its progress on shifting sands,” he cautioned.
The newly sworn-in justices are expected to strengthen the judiciary’s role in upholding fairness, promoting trust, and ensuring stability in Ghana’s democratic system.
Source: Kwame Anum
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