Mahama nominates Dormaahene, 20 others to Court of Appeal

Barring any last-minute changes, President John Dramani Mahama is set to appoint 21 High Court judges to the Court of Appeal in what is being described as a sweeping judicial promotion aimed at boosting justice delivery across Ghana.

Among the new appointees is Justice Daniel Mensah, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, popularly known as Dormaahene. His promotion has drawn attention for blending his traditional work and authority with the job of a justice of the superior court of judicature.

Controversial rulings

But the list, sources say, has not gone without scrutiny. At least three of the newly elevated judges have been linked to controversial rulings that sparked national debate in recent months.

Justice Senyo Amedahe, was behind the ruling on the Akwatia contempt case that many observers described as legally unorthodox. His decision was set aside by the Supreme Court and he wa further barred from hearing any case related to the Akwatia parliamentary election.

Justice Ali Baba Bature also came under intense public criticism for refusing to grant an injunction application against the Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun parliamentary election in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency.

Equally notable is the elevation of Justice Anokye Gyimah, who controversially chose to start the criminal trial of former COCOBOD boss Dr Stephen Opuni de novo (afresh), despite objections from the Attorney General. His decision contributed to prolonged delays in one of Ghana’s most high-profile corruption cases.

Nevertheless, the appointments do introduce a level of diversity and regional balance to the Court of Appeal, with women making up over a third of the list.

Full List of Newly Appointed Court of Appeal Justices:

1. Justin Dorgu
2. Daniel Mensah (Dormaahene)
3. George Boadi
4. Ayitey Armah-Tetteh
5. Senyo Amedahe
6. Olivia Boeng Owusu
7. Douglas Seidu
8. Ali Baba Bature
9. Mariama Samo
10. Abena Adzin Doku
11. Mary Maame Akua Yanzu
12. Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed
13. John Bosco Nabarese
14. Kwasi Anokye Gyimah
15. Richmond Osei Hwere
16. Apangano Achibonga
17. Charity Akosua Asem
18. Enyonam Adinyira
19. Shiela Minta
20. Bridget Kafui Antonio
21. Franklina Gesila Adanu

The newly appointed judges are expected to be sworn in at the Jubilee House in the coming days. President Mahama who is expected to administer the oath to the judges at the swearing in ceremony, is on record to have criticized the estwhile Akufo-Addo administration for what he said was the packing of the courts in Ghana.