Mahama swears in 7 new Supreme Court Justices
President John Dramani Mahama today, Thursday, July 3, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of seven new Supreme Court justices at the Jubilee House, marking a significant expansion and reinforcement of Ghana’s apex court.
The appointments are expected to bolster the judiciary’s capacity to handle its increasing workload, particularly ahead of crucial constitutional and electoral matters.
The seven newly confirmed Justices, whose appointments follow rigorous parliamentary approval and vetting processes earlier this year, are:
- Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
- Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
- Justice Senyo Dzamefe
- Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
- Justice Philip Bright Mensah
- Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo
- Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
These accomplished legal professionals, several of whom are seasoned judges elevated from the Court of Appeal, bring a wealth of experience to the Supreme Court.
Their appointments are in line with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the process for judicial appointments, including advice from the Judicial Council and consultation with the Council of State before parliamentary approval.
The 1992 Constitution mandates that the Supreme Court shall consist of the Chief Justice and not less than nine other Justices.
With these seven new additions, the court’s overall composition will be significantly strengthened, providing a broader pool of expertise for its diverse caseload.
The Supreme Court holds exclusive original jurisdiction in matters relating to the enforcement or interpretation of the Constitution and serves as the final court of appeal in Ghana.
The expanded bench is deemed crucial as the Supreme Court prepares to navigate a growing docket that frequently includes complex constitutional interpretations, electoral disputes, and high-profile civil and criminal appeals.
The increased number of justices is anticipated to improve the efficiency of case delivery and reduce the backlog that has, at times, characterised the judicial system.
President Mahama, during the ceremony, underscored the critical role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding Ghana’s democratic principles.
He charged the new justices to uphold integrity, fairness, and impartiality in their dispensation of justice, reminding them of the solemn oath they had taken to serve the nation.
This mass swearing-in is seen by legal observers as a strategic move to ensure the judiciary is robustly equipped to handle the demands of a dynamic democracy, particularly with a major election cycle on the horizon.
