Last Thursday, as I read the news about the swearing-in of newly promoted Appeal Court judges, I was both curious and eager to see one particular name — Justice Dr. Richmond Osei Hwere.
Paragraph after paragraph, I scanned the story with a pounding heart, hoping to find his name among the promoted judges. And indeed, there it was — Justice Osei Hwere had been elevated to the Appeals Court.
As a journalist, I came to know him while covering cases at Sekondi High Court 1, where he served as the presiding judge. He was later transferred to Accra shortly after the 2024 general elections. From the very beginning, I had formed a lasting impression of him and decided that one day, upon his transfer or promotion, I would write this piece. That day has come.
In my years of reporting from Magistrate, District, Circuit, and High Courts, I had never been as affected by a judge’s transfer as I was when Justice Osei Hwere left Sekondi for Accra. This is the first time I have felt compelled to put such reflections into writing.
I first encountered Justice Osei Hwere’s work when I began covering proceedings at Sekondi High Court 1 — and I must confess, I “fell in love” with his style of justice. To be clear, I had no personal relationship with him, though I often hoped to meet him beyond the courtroom.
The first major case I covered in his court was Joshua Kwofie vs Dorcas Affo-Toffey, a politically charged suit. The petitioner, Joshua Kwofie, challenged the eligibility of DorcasAffo-Toffey, the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, arguing that she held dual citizenship at the time she filed her nomination on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Kwofie was represented by lawyer Frank Davies, while Affo-Toffey’s legal team was led by lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe.
Covering this case, along with several chieftaincy and civil matters, deepened my admiration for Justice Osei Hwere. He embodied the legal maxim:“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.”
This principle, famously articulated by Lord Chief Justice Hewart in R v Sussex Justices, ex parte McCarthy, was vividly alive in his courtroom. If anyone ever doubted Ghana’s judiciary, observing Justice Osei Hwere at work would restore their faith.
His speeches, mannerisms, and body language exuded fairness, impartiality, and hope. His judgments and rulings were always thoroughly researched and nearly impossible to overturn on appeal.
For instance, in the KwofievsAffo-Toffey case, he ordered the respondent to produce her citizenship renunciation certificate, following her admission that she had previously held dual citizenship. When lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe contested this ruling — arguing that “he who alleges must prove” — the Appeal Court upheld Justice Osei Hwere’s decision.
Similarly, in AwulaeAttibrukusu& 6 Others vsSekondi House of Chiefs (ex parte Angmatuo Gyan), lawyer Israel Ackah challenged Justice Osei Hwere’s decision to nullify a House of Chiefs election over quorum issues. Once again, the Appeal Court affirmed his ruling.
Among lawyers in Sekondi, there’s a shared sentiment: “You contest Justice Osei Hwere’s rulings at your own risk.” Lawyer Ekow Amua Sekyi told me on my first day in his courtroom, “He is a very fair, firm, and brilliant judge.” Over time, I became a living witness to this statement.
But beyond his legal brilliance, what stood out to me was his humanity. Justice Osei Hwere was respectful, humble, and treated witnesses, parties, and lawyers with dignity. I often wondered if he ever got angry, as he remained calm in situations where other judges might have lost their temper.
His soft yet firm voice commanded respect. His rulings were always read audibly, ensuring everyone in the courtroom could follow proceedings — something that made my work as a court reporter significantly easier.
Justice Dr. Richmond Osei Hwere is truly a gem — a judge who represents integrity, fairness, and professionalism. His promotion to the Appeals Court is not just a personal achievement; it is a beacon of hope for Ghana’s judiciary.Your Lordship, continue to shine. Ghana’s justice system needs more like you.
