The president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has sworn in two justices to the Supreme Court.
There are Justices Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu and Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu.
They have succeeded two justices of the Supreme Court, namely Justice Samuel Marfo Sau, who passed away on August 10, last year, and Justice Yaw Apau, who retired on August 2, 2021.
At a solemn ceremony a while ago at Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo congratulated the newly sworn-in justices on their appointments.
He told them they had met the stringent requirements of the constitution, as they are deemed to have independence of spirit, proven integrity, high moral character, and impartiality of mind to hold that office.
“Your appointments are thus truly well deserved and merited,” he added.
The President was hopeful that based on the good account the duo had given themselves as Justices of the Appeals Court, they would help develop the constitutional jurisprudence of the country.
He said the judiciary has the onerous responsibility of protecting the rights and liberties of individual citizens.
According to him, it is critical that justices of the Supreme Court possess a sound knowledge of the Constitution, as it is the nation’s court of last resort.
He cited Article 129, positions the Supreme Court as a policy court where far-reaching decisions on socioeconomic developments are fashioned in response to the exigencies of the time.
He reiterated that the situation where judges proffer judgment on the basis of decisions from lower courts and cite them as law is not acceptable.
“And even less so, when judges cite no authority at all for their rulings and give orders without reasons,” he added.
He said justices must be learned, know their case law, and ensure that their decisions and judgements are properly motivated, a manner in which he said judges contribute to the orderly development of the country.
He told the newly sworn-in judges to bear in mind that the growth of the nation demands that there be a judiciary that commands the respect of the people by the quality of its delivery of justice as well as by the comportment of its judges.
He told them to be mindful of the oath they took and deal with anyone who fell foul of the law without fear.
KEEP FIDELITY
Responding to the President’s remarks, Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu was grateful to President Akufo-Addo, the Council of State, the Bar Council, Parliament, and the Chief Justice for the “confidence reposed in us.”
While giving thanks, she assured Ghanaians that they would keep faith and fidelity to the constitution and remain committed to their judicial oath.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo indicated in his remarks that he awaits Parliament’s approval of the two remaining nominees, Justice George Kingsley Koomson and Justice Ernest Yaw Gaewu, to fill the vacancies created as a result of the retirement of Justices Clemence Honyenuga and Agnes Mercy Abla Dordzie both of whom retired this year.
