The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has sworn into office 16 new justices for the Court of Appeal.
The justices were sworn in on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at a solemn ceremony held at the seat of the presidency, Jubilee House, Accra.
The President administered oaths to the justices before handing their instruments of office to them, and they signed an oath book to make their elevation official.
The justices, who were sworn in, included Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah, Justice Gifty Dekyem, Justice Kofi Akrowiah, Justice Richard Mac Kogyapwah, Justice Kwasi Boakye, Justice Alexander Osei Tutu, Justice Francis Obiri and Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
The rest are Justice Aboagye Tandoh, Mariam Agyeman Gyasi Jawhary, Yaa OnyameyeGyakobo, Francis Koffie, Mr. Charles William Leopold Bartels Zwennes, Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, Mr. David Kwabena Adade Boafo and Dr. Poku Adusei.
FIT AND QUALIFIED
President Akufo-Addo, in his remarks, said the 16 justices, 12 men and four women, whom he swore into office upon the advice of the Judicial Council, were each eminently fit and qualified for the position of a justice of the Court of Appeal and each has the impartiality of mind and independence of spirit to hold this high office.
He remarked that the Court of Appeal is a vital part of the judicial system, serving as a crucial avenue for ensuring that the law is correctly applied and that errors made in lower courts are reviewed and rectified.
In his view, if the court does its work well most appeals should end there, without the issues having to travel to the Supreme Court.
“The task before you is thus not an easy one. The decisions you make will have an impact not only on the parties before you, but also on the broader society,” he told the new justices.
HONESTY
President Akufo-Addo reminded the justices that they will be called upon to interpret complex legal issues and determine disputes, therefore, it was vitally important to “have judges who are honest, possess integrity and have a sound knowledge of the law.
“As justices of appeal, I do not expect that you’ll prefer judgements on the basis of decisions from lower courts and cite them as law.
“And even less so, though I expect that you’ll cite no authority for your rulings and give orders without reasons,” he added.
BACKLOG
The President mentioned that one of the key challenges the judiciary faces is the backlog of cases. In view of that, he stressed that there was the need to address the backlog of cases that continue to burden the courts.
Repeating the popular saying that “justice delayed is justice denied,” President Akufo-Addo opined that it was imperative that the judiciary found innovative solutions to expedite the resolution of cases and ensure that justice is delivered in a timely manner.
Among others, he mentioned that beyond efficient case management, the adoption of technology would help, as with the expansion of the personnel of the court.
PROGRESS
The President mentioned some of the progress achieved at the judiciary in the last few years. Owing to that, he indicated the government was committed to providing the judiciary with the resources and support needed to perform their duties effectively.
He assured the judiciary that the government will continue to work towards creating a judicial system that is not only efficient and effective but also accessible and equitable for all Ghanaians. “In conclusion, let me once again congratulate each one of you on your appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal,” he ended.
APPRECIATION
On behalf of the 16 new justices of the Court of Appeal, Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah expressed gratitude and appreciation to the President “for the honour done to us by His Excellency for this appointment.
“We shall do our best not to disappoint Ghanaians and do our work faithfully and diligently. We shall not disappoint this nation. Once again, we express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to his excellency, the president of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.
