President John Dramani Mahama has charged three newly sworn-in Supreme Court Justices to uphold the Constitution and administer justice without fear, favour, affection or ill will.
He said the justices must demonstrate sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage and patience as they assume their responsibilities on Ghana’s highest court.
President Mahama made the remarks on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Jubilee House when he swore in Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Bernasko-Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Forson Jnr. as Supreme Court justices.
The President said the authority of the Supreme Court was not derived from political power or force but from the confidence and trust of the Ghanaian people.
He stressed that such confidence could only be sustained when cases brought before the court were determined independently, impartially and strictly in accordance with the law.
“Let the quality of your reasoning define your legacy, the fairness of your decisions, and your unwavering loyalty to the Constitution,” he said.
President Mahama cautioned the justices against allowing political interests, public pressure, praise or criticism to influence their decisions, particularly in cases that generate strong emotions.
“You will sometimes be called upon to decide matters that generate strong public emotions and competing political interests. In those moments, you must remain unmoved by the pressures, the praise, or the criticism,” he said.
He reminded the new justices that behind every case before the court were individuals whose rights, livelihoods, freedoms and futures could be affected by their decisions.
“Approach every matter with humility. Listen patiently. Examine the law carefully. Decide courageously,” President Mahama added.
He also urged the justices to protect constitutional rights, uphold the separation of powers and ensure that no individual or institution was placed above the law.
According to him, their oath of office was not merely ceremonial but constituted a solemn commitment to the people of Ghana and the Constitution.
“The oath you are taking today is consequential, not ceremonial. It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana. It requires you to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will, and to defend the Constitution of Ghana at all times,” he said.
President Mahama further called for continued efforts to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system.
He expressed concern over prolonged cases, avoidable adjournments and delays in delivering judgments, warning that such challenges could erode public confidence and impose hardship on citizens.
He urged the judiciary to embrace appropriate technology and reforms to ensure timely and accessible justice regardless of a person’s income, status or geographical location.
The President described the Supreme Court as a critical pillar of Ghana’s constitutional democracy, noting that its decisions give meaning to the Constitution, settle matters of national importance and shape the development of the country’s laws.
He congratulated the three justices and urged them to serve with wisdom, integrity and independence.
“May your judgments deepen our democracy, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen the rule of law,” he said.
President Mahama also expressed confidence that their service would contribute to strengthening Ghana’s democracy and the rule of law.
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