The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sworn in 21 new justices of the High Court at a ceremony in Accra yesterday. He charged them to be honest in all the cases they are going to handle.
“So, to you, the newly sworn justices, I say that it is essential that you show that you are honest, possess integrity, and have a sound knowledge of the law,” he said.
COMPETENCEÂ
President Akufo-Addo reiterated that a corrupt or incompetent judge is a danger to the public interest and judicial administration and hoped that the new justices would distinguish themselves in the administration of justice.
The President further told the Justices to be learned, know their case law, and ensure their decisions and judgments were properly motivated.
The judiciary, according to the President, has the onerous responsibility of protecting the fundamental human rights of the citizens, among others.
According to Article 104 of the 1992 Constitution, the High Court has jurisdiction over all matters, in particular civil and criminal matters.
To him, the High Court must command the respect of the people through the quality of its decisions and the comportment of its judges.
He added that it was the reason his government had undertaken numerous projects to position the third arm of government on a more sound footing.
President Akufo-Addo, who had sworn the justices into office upon the advice of the judicial council, said they were fit for the job. He congratulated them for their “well-deserved appointment” and wished them well.
NAMES OF THE JUSTICES
The 21 justices of the High Court who were sworn in yesterday comprised of 12 men and nine women.
The Justices are; Kwame Polley, William Appiah Twumasi, Baah Forson Agyapong, Marian Affoh, Nana Brew, Abena Amponsah Buansi, Ellen Lordina Serwaa Mirehu, Priscilla Dapaah Mireku, Alexander Oworae, Joyce Boahen, Edward Twum and Gwendolyn Millicent Owusu.
The rest are Justices Rosemary Baah Tosu, Frederick Kwabena Twumasi, Adedaide Abui Keddey, Harry Aheampong-Opoku, Kenneth Edem Kudjordjie, John-Mark Nuku Alifo, Kwesi Adjenim-Boateng, George Aikins Ampiah-Bonney and Marie-Louise Simmons.
RESPONSEÂ
Responding to the president’s remarks on behalf of the justices, Justice Kwame Polley expressed their gratitude to the president for the confidence reposed in them.
He said they had resolved to discharge their mandate and duties in line with the constitution and laws of Ghana.
“Specifically, we promise to work to the best of our abilities without fear, favour, ill-affection towards all manner of persons who may appear before us,” he said.
Â
