President John Dramani Mahama has nominated seven justices from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court of Ghana in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
The Judicial Council is expected to consider the nominations and advise the President before they are submitted to Parliament for vetting and final approval.
The nominations include Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, and Justice Hafisata Amaleboba.
These appointments aim to further bolster the Supreme Court’s capacity amid increasing demands on the nation’s highest judicial body.
In a formal communication signed by Callistus Mahama, Ph.D., Secretary to the President, President Mahama stated, “Attached are their Curricula Vitae. I trust that the Council will expedite action on their considerations.”
The nominations have been submitted to the Acting Chief Justice and the Judicial Council for immediate attention.
Experience and Diversity
Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, who has served at the Court of Appeal for fifteen years, brings an international dimension to the bench. He was elected to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in July 2022 and also serves on the Advisory Committee of the International Criminal Court.
Beyond the courtroom, he has lectured at the Ghana School of Law, the University of Cape Coast, and KNUST, contributing immensely to legal education and judicial training.
Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh is a former Supervising High Court Judge in the Eastern Region and currently sits on the Judicial Council as a representative of Court of Appeal justices. His career reflects deep dedication to institutional development and judicial accountability.
Justice Senyo Dzamefe, who was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2010, earned national recognition when he chaired the Commission of Inquiry into Ghana’s 2014 FIFA World Cup performance. He also served as President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana, playing a pivotal role in advancing judicial welfare and independence.
Judicial Insight and Reform Advocacy
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo has experience from both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He has emphasized the need for legal education to align with Ghana’s development priorities and has been a strong proponent of integrating artificial intelligence into the legal system to improve efficiency and transparency.
Justice Philip Bright Mensah has made notable contributions to appellate jurisprudence. He recently presided over a Court of Appeal panel that unanimously directed the Accra High Court to adopt proceedings from a previous trial in the Republic versus Stephen Kwabena Opuni case. His legal judgments have been praised for their clarity and constitutional grounding.
Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo continues to serve on the Court of Appeal and is widely respected for her impartiality and commitment to the rule of law. Her judicial philosophy centers on accessibility and procedural fairness.
Justice Hafisata Amaleboba has served on both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Her tenure has been marked by consistent diligence and firm ethical standards. She is expected to bring a strong, steady voice to the bench.
National Significance
This new slate of nominees reflects President Mahama’s commitment to judicial excellence, independence, and inclusivity. The diverse professional backgrounds of the appointees are anticipated to enrich Supreme Court deliberations and enhance public trust in the judiciary.
“The Ghanaian justice system must reflect not only the law but the conscience of the people,” the President has previously stated in reference to judicial appointments. These nominations arrive at a time when confidence in judicial accountability and competence remains critical to the democratic fabric of the nation.
Parliamentary vetting of the nominees will follow after the Judicial Council submits its recommendations. If confirmed, these seven justices will play a vital role in shaping Ghana’s constitutional and legal direction under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
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