I Pledge My Unwavering Commitment to Judicial Independence- Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to uphold judicial independence in the course of his tenure.

During the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie as Chief Justice, he intimated that the strength of the country’s democracy depends on a delicate yet essential balance of powers among the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

“Each branch is supposed to operate independently, and yet they have to collaborate in order to serve the common good. And so today, as President, I pledge my unwavering commitment to the independence of the Judiciary.”

He deems an independent judiciary a constitutional necessity and a protection for every citizen, including the President.

“We must therefore jealously guard the institutional, financial and administrative autonomy of our courts. Decisions of our courts, whether we agree or not, whether popular or unpopular, must be respected and enforced. This is the bedrock of the rule of law.”

President Mahama on November 17, swore in Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie as the country’s next Chief Justice in the stead of dismissed Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo.

The event took place at the Jubilee House in accordance with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution following his vetting and approval by Parliament last week.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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