President John Dramani Mahama delivered a momentous address at the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court on Thursday, September 10, 2023. The ceremony, held at Jubilee House, marked a significant step in strengthening Ghana’s constitutional democracy and upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. The President expressed his unwavering commitment to the judiciary’s independence, emphasizing that the Court’s authority is fundamentally rooted in the confidence and trust of the Ghanaian people.
Speaking at the occasion, President Mahama lauded Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokouan Bernasko-Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Fawson Jr., popularly known as Tony Fawson, for their appointments, describing them as ‘complementary experience’ that would bolster the country’s highest court. He noted that the Supreme Court’s role is paramount in safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring that decisions are made independently, impartially, and strictly according to law.
The President underscored the distinct contributions of each Justice. Justice Bernasko-Essah, a seasoned appellate court judge, was commended for her extensive judicial experience and understanding of practical justice administration. Her elevation reflects competence, discipline, and dedication, and the President urged her to contribute to the clarity, consistency, and development of Ghanaian jurisprudence. Justice Asante, a national court expert with regional experience, was praised for combining national judicial experience with the insights gained from his tenure as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. This regional expertise is expected to significantly impact the Court’s deliberations and contribute to the overall strengthening of Ghana’s legal framework.
Furthermore, the President addressed concerns regarding delays in the administration of justice and the potential erosion of public confidence. He stressed the critical importance of judicial independence – not as a privilege for judges but as a safeguard for citizens whose rights may depend on impartial decisions, particularly in sensitive and politically charged cases. He warned that prolonged cases, avoidable adjournments, and delays in delivering judgments could undermine public trust and represent a denial of justice. President Mahama emphasized that the judiciary must prioritize the timely and efficient resolution of cases, utilizing technology to enhance the administration of justice.
He reiterated his commitment to judicial reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility, and fairness. The President acknowledged the need to address challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, and he proposed utilizing technology to improve the judicial system’s effectiveness. The President concluded by highlighting the transformative impact of the new justices’ diverse backgrounds – their combined experience in advocacy, adjudication, and international law – and asserted confidence that this dynamic combination would deepen the Court’s deliberations and further contribute to the ongoing development of Ghana’s legal and constitutional order. The judicial system’s continued commitment to upholding the Constitution, protecting the separation of powers, and ensuring the rule of law remains paramount, according to the President.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
