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President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in three new justices to the Supreme Court of Ghana, charging them to uphold sound judgment, integrity, intellectual courage, and a strong commitment to justice.
The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidency’s Banquet Hall.
The newly elevated justices are Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokunwa Bernasco-Essa, a former Court of Appeal Judge; Justice Edward Amoako Asante, former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice; and Justice Anthony Forson Jr., a seasoned private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
Their appointments bring the total number of justices sitting on Ghana’s highest court to 17.
Administering the statutory oath, President Mahama reminded the jurists that the judiciary’s authority depends entirely on the faith of the Ghanaian public, not on physical force or political power.
“The authority of the Court does not rest on force or political power. It rests on the confidence and trust of the people, confidence and trust that every matter brought before it will be determined independently, impartially, and strictly according to the law,” President Mahama stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, the President said judicial independence protects citizens’ rights rather than serving as a personal privilege for judges.
“Judicial independence is not a privilege granted to judges for their personal benefit, but a protection afforded to citizens so that their rights may be determined fairly, even when the issues before the courts are difficult, unpopular, or politically sensitive,” he added.
President Mahama expressed confidence in the newly sworn-in justices, noting that their diverse backgrounds in private practice, regional courts, and the appellate bench will enhance the apex court’s capacity.
Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Justice Sophia Bernasco-Essa thanked the President and the nation, pledging their collective resolve to defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
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