President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in three new Justices of the Supreme Court, charging them to uphold the Constitution, protect citizens’ rights and ensure that no individual or institution is above the law.
The newly sworn-in Justices are Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, September 10, at the Jubilee House, President Mahama described the Supreme Court as a critical pillar of 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 said the Court’s decisions carry far-reaching implications, ranging from constitutional interpretation and the resolution of matters of national importance to shaping 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.
The President said the Supreme Court’s authority must be grounded not in political influence or force, but in the confidence of Ghanaians that the Court will administer justice independently, fairly and without fear or favour.
“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.
According to him, citizens must have confidence that cases before the Court will be determined independently, fairly and free from political 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.
President Mahama said membership of the Supreme Court therefore requires more than legal expertise.
“Those appointed to the Supreme Court must therefore possess more than just legal knowledge.”
“They must demonstrate sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a deep commitment to justice,” he added.