President John Mahama has sworn in seven new justices of the Supreme Court, and charged them to uphold the Constitution and deliver justice impartially, free from external influence.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Jubilee House last Thursday, the President emphasised that public confidence in the judiciary hinged on its independence, fairness and adherence to constitutional principles.
“We need justices who are not swayed by popularity or pressure, but are anchored in the Constitution and driven by a genuine desire to uphold justice without fear or favour,” he said.
The newly appointed justices are Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Senyo Dzamefe, Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Philip Bright Mensah, Janapare Bartels-Kodwo and Hafisata Amaleboba.
Their appointments followed parliamentary approval and vetting, in line with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution. Many of them are seasoned jurists elevated from the Court of Appeal.
Present at the ceremony were the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the acting Chief Justice, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, and the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, among others.
Responsibility
President Mahama reminded the justices that their elevation to the apex court carried immense responsibility, stressing that “This robe is not simply a mark of office.
It is a public trust. It is a symbol of service, humility and accountability”.
“Wear it with wisdom. Interpret the law not just as it is, but as it ought to be; alive to context and sensitive to the lived realities of the Ghanaian people,” the President added.
He stressed the need for a judiciary that is both technically competent and morally attuned to the needs of ordinary citizens.
“You are expected to serve not as arbiters of technicalities, but as stewards of justice and conscience,” he said.
“Let your legacy be measured in volumes of law reports, the lives you touched, the precedents you set, and the public trust that you preserved,” he added.
Linking the swearing-in to his broader governance vision, the “Ghana Reset Agenda,” President Mahama described it as a national renewal anchored in justice, equity, transparency and institutional reform.
The President pledged the government’s commitment to judicial reforms, including digitalising court processes, improving infrastructure, expanding legal aid and enhancing ethical training for judicial officers.
He also announced that the H. Kwesi Prempeh Constitutional Review Committee is expected to present its report in August with recommendations to further strengthen the judiciary.
Reiterating the importance of judicial independence, President Mahama declared, “We must protect our courts from political interference, economic manipulation and public intimidation.
An independent judiciary is not a threat to government. It is a partner in nation building.”
Concluding his address, he urged the justices to remain guided by their oaths and the Constitution.
“Let your conscience be your compass, let the Constitution be your guide, and let the people of Ghana be a constant reminder to you of the power and purpose of the law,” he said.
Justices pledge fairness
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Justice Senyo Dzamefe expressed gratitude to President Mahama, the Judicial Council, the Council of State, Parliament, and the people of Ghana for the opportunity to serve.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we thank you very much for appointing us as justices of the Supreme Court and, more so, for your advice.
Thank you very much,” he said.
He assured Ghanaians of their commitment to impartial justice.
“To the people of Ghana, we promise that we will dispense justice to all manner of people without fear or favour, ill will or affection. We also promise you equal justice and the law.”
Justice Dzamefe also thanked the acting Chief Justice, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, and senior members of the judiciary for their guidance.
