President Mahama Swears In Three New Supreme Court Justices
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in three newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court, charging them to defend the Constitution, safeguard citizens’ rights and uphold the principle that no person or institution is above the law.
The new justices are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House on Thursday, September 10, President Mahama described the Supreme Court as a critical institution in Ghana’s democratic system and the country’s highest judicial authority.
“The Supreme Court occupies a unique and indispensable place in governing our Republic,” he said.
He noted that rulings of the Court have significant implications for the country, particularly in interpreting the Constitution, resolving major national issues and contributing to the development of Ghana’s laws.
“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.
According to him, the legitimacy of the Supreme Court should be rooted in the trust Ghanaians have in its ability to administer justice independently and fairly, rather than in 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 said.
President Mahama said citizens should be confident that matters brought before the Court would be determined without political interference or other external influence.
“Confidence and trust that every matter brought before it will be determined independently, impartially and strictly according to the law,” he said.
He stressed that appointment to the Supreme Court requires qualities beyond legal knowledge and expertise.
“Those appointed to the Supreme Court must therefore possess more than just legal expertise. They must demonstrate sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a deep commitment to justice,” he added.
