President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday swore into office three new justices of the Supreme Court and tasked them with defending Ghana’s constitution, as well as helping to entrench judicial independence and people’s confidence in the country’s justice system. Editorial Standards
The three justices, including Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante and, Anthony Forson Jnr, a private legal practitioner and a former President of the Ghana Bar Association are to become the three new judicial members of the apex court.
This is in furtherance of their approval by the Parliament.The ceremony which saw the three taking their oath of allegiance and oath of office before the President of the Republic further paved the way for them to contribute in Ghana’s highest court.
The President urged the newly sworn-in Justices to abide by Ghana’s constitution and guard judicial independence so as to be capable of solidifying people’s faith in the judicial system of the country.
The Constitution provides ample mandate for every holder of high office in the country and in no way should it be considered an empty vessel in a democracy, a document to be revered with much less importance and respect in administration; president Mahama advised them.
Mr. Mahama asked the judicial heads to be meticulous about the functions of the Supreme Court saying that the duty cast on them involves that of taking critical judicial consideration of all cases they are required to hear since any judicial decision may extend the borders of certain individual cases in the republic, which would then pave the way to settle the question of constitutional powers for, the definition of the rule of law in the country will thereafter rely greatly on the interpretations of the highest court.
“The Supreme Court occupies a unique and indispensable place in governing our Republic. As the final judicial authority, its decisions give meaning to our Constitution, settle questions of profound national importance, and shape the evolution of our laws,” President Mahama said at the ceremony held at the seat of government.
President Mahama said the confidence the public repose in the judges depends significantly on the judiciary’s capability to judiciously apply the law based on relevant circumstances and to conduct hearing independent of any entity.
The President therefore commanded the three justices to discharge their functions based on logical reasoning, intellect coupled with integrity of the subject matter involved. Newscard
The Head of State asked that the oaths that the three justices had now sworn, must rather be viewed as part of the country’s solemn constitutional duty and nothing of ceremony that will just mark an event on time.”The oath you have taken today is consequential, not ceremonial.
It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana. It requires you to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will, and to defend the Constitution of Ghana at all times,” President Mahama stated.
The president underscored how important it is to preserve judicial independence for, its crucial importance lies in its readiness to defend rights, rule of law and every citizen from improper interference, this time even where constitutional rights of citizens are in question and for that matter can only be defended by independent judges.
It is particularly vital when they are tasked with matters sensitive for political decisions and or those of a certain standing that requires that the whole world watch them, to that effect they may continue to ensure that their judgements are solely based on facts and nothing outside that to govern citizens’ decisions to hold their trust and believe in the judiciary system. Corrections Policy
He urged the judiciary to also continue reforming the system for the benefit of the people and also embrace technologies and concepts to improve efficiency in the administration of justice and for an easier accessibility to citizens especially poor persons who may only afford what it takes to visit the courts in time to hear their case.
President Mahama however asked the three justices to take great cognisance of the mandate placed before them so as to continue securing for Ghanaians access to justice and in adequate time.
The president, while Congratulating the three justices, also tasked them to ensure their judgments are independent and not influenced and are applied strictly following the constitution.
They are also expected to exercise diligence in dealing with every case laid before them to cement public faith in the independence and impartial application of Ghana’s law, rule of law and of the nation’s Constitution and further be prudent with the appointment as every step to improve the system should be guided by that as it seeks the nation to obtain justice efficiently without favor to either side.