Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sworn in three new justices to the Supreme Court, urging them to uphold the rule of law and contribute to the nation’s development.
The three justices, Henry Anthony Kwofie, Yaw Darko Asare, and Richard Adjei-Frimpong, were appointed after a rigorous nomination and confirmation process involving the Judicial Council, the Council of State, and Parliament.
They fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Nene Abayateye Ofoe Amegatcher, Chief Justice Kwasi Enin Yeboah, and Jones Victor Mawulorm Dotse, who served on the apex court for many years.
The Role of The Supreme Court
At the swearing-in ceremony, President Akufo-Addo reminded the new justices of their vital role in the country’s constitutional democracy.
According to a report by Daily Graphic, he said the Supreme Court, as the policy court, had the responsibility to shape the legal landscape and ensure that the laws of the country were in tune with the needs of the times.
He quoted a landmark ruling by Justice Sowah in 1980, which stated that the Constitution was a living organism that required a broad and liberal interpretation.
President Akufo-Addo also urged the new justices to be impartial, fair, and independent in the discharge of their duties, and to resist any external pressure or influence.
He said the people of Ghana expected nothing less from them, as they had sworn to protect and defend the Constitution.
The Profile of The New Justices
The three new justices bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the bench, having served in various capacities in the legal profession.
Justice Kwofie, 60, is a former president of the Ghana Bar Association and a renowned corporate lawyer. He has also served as a board member of several public and private institutions, including the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Stock Exchange.
Justice Asare, 55, is a former lecturer at the Ghana School of Law and a former director of the Judicial Training Institute. He has also been a judge of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, where he handled several high-profile cases.
Justice Adjei-Frimpong, 54, is a former senior state attorney and a former registrar of the Judicial Service. He has also been a judge of the High Court and the Court of Appeal and has a special interest in alternative dispute resolution.
The Challenges Ahead
The new justices join the Supreme Court at a time when the judiciary is facing some challenges, such as inadequate resources, public perception of corruption, and delays in justice delivery.
They are also expected to deal with some sensitive and controversial cases, such as the election petition filed by the opposition leader, John Mahama, challenging the validity of the 2023 presidential election results.
However, the new justices have expressed their readiness and commitment to serve the nation with integrity, diligence, and professionalism.
They have also pledged to uphold the values of judicial independence, accountability, and transparency.
They have thanked the president, the Judicial Council, the Council of State, the Parliament, and the people of Ghana for the confidence and trust reposed in them.
The new justices also acknowledged the contributions of their predecessors and colleagues and solicited the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the justice sector.
The Supreme Court has the final say on all matters of constitutional and legal interpretation and can review the decisions of lower courts and tribunals.
The Supreme Court also has the power to issue orders and directions to enforce or protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
