President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in three new Justices of the Supreme Court, urging them to uphold the Constitution, protect citizens’ rights and ensure that no person or institution is above the law.
The newly appointed justices are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr.
At the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House on Thursday, September 10, President Mahama stressed the crucial role of the Supreme Court in Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
He described the Court as the country’s final judicial authority, noting that its decisions have significant implications for governance, the interpretation of the Constitution and the development of the nation’s laws.
“The Supreme Court occupies a unique and indispensable place in governing our Republic,” he said.
According to the President, the Court’s rulings help resolve matters of profound national importance while providing authoritative interpretations of the Constitution and shaping the country’s legal framework.
“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 said.
He emphasised that the legitimacy and authority of the Supreme Court should be derived from public confidence rather than political influence or power.
“The authority of the Court does not rest on force or political power. It rests on the confidence and trust of the people,” he stated.
President Mahama said Ghanaians must have confidence that every case brought before the Court would be determined independently, impartially and strictly in accordance with the law.
He therefore urged the new justices to uphold the highest standards of judicial independence and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The President noted that serving on the Supreme Court requires more than extensive knowledge of the law.
“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,” he added.
President Mahama urged the newly sworn-in justices to uphold these values as they assume their responsibilities on the nation’s highest court.
READ ALSO:
Citizen sues Supreme Court to compel Mahama to appoint former Chief Justice to Council…
Supreme Court throws out Oppong Nkrumah’s bid to reverse legal vacation trials ruling
