President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in three new Justices of the Supreme Court, charging them to uphold the Constitution and strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
The new justices, Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Oppong Jr., took their oaths of office at a ceremony marking their formal entry into the country’s apex court. President John Dramani Mahama urged the Judiciary to pursue reforms that improve efficiency, widen access to justice and strengthen confidence in Ghana’s legal system.
Addressing the swearing-in ceremony of three new Supreme Court Justices, President Mahama stressed the need for the Judiciary to embrace appropriate technology as part of efforts to make justice accessible to citizens regardless of income, status or geographical location. He indicated that delays in the justice system could amount to a denial of justice.
The President also called on the Supreme Court to communicate its reasoning with exceptional clarity, noting that well-reasoned judgments provide dependable guidance to lower courts, public institutions, legal practitioners and citizens. Clear decisions, he added, strengthen the law while promoting respect and trust in the judicial process.
Turning to the three newly appointed justices, President Mahama urged them to keep the Constitution at the centre of their work. He cautioned that their tenure could involve cases carrying strong public emotions and competing political interests, requiring them to remain firm in their judicial responsibilities.
“Do not allow yourselves to be defined by the individuals, governments, or institutions that appear before you. Let the quality of your reasoning define your legacy, the fairness of your decisions, and your unwavering loyalty to the Constitution.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Furthermore, His Excellency reminded the justices that court proceedings involve real people whose rights, livelihoods, freedoms and futures may depend on judicial decisions. He therefore encouraged them to approach every case with humility, listen patiently, examine the law carefully and decide courageously.
The President’s remarks placed emphasis on judicial independence as an essential safeguard for democratic governance and the rule of law. He urged the justices to resist pressures, praise and criticism when handling sensitive matters, particularly those involving political interests.
Beyond the responsibilities of the new appointees, President Mahama linked effective adjudication to the wider objective of making justice responsive to the needs of citizens. He noted that technological innovation and institutional reforms could help address barriers that prevent people from obtaining timely justice.
The President congratulated Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Oppong Jr. on their appointment to the Supreme Court. He expressed the hope that their service would protect vulnerable citizens, deepen Ghana’s democracy and reinforce the rule of law.
He further called for judgments that demonstrate wisdom, integrity and independence throughout their tenure. President Mahama consequently urged the justices to place justice and the national interest at the centre of their work as they undertake their constitutional responsibilities.
The Three Supreme Court Justices Promise To Uphold Integrity
Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Justice Bernasko Essah expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the confidence placed in them through their appointments. She also acknowledged the role of God, constitutional institutions, families, colleagues and mentors in supporting their professional journeys.
Justice Bernasko Essah pledged that the oaths taken by the three justices would guide their conduct in every matter brought before the Court. She emphasised that judicial office carries a sacred public trust requiring them to interpret and apply the law faithfully, impartially and courageously.
“We shall be independent enough to decide according to law, courageous enough to do so when the decision is difficult, and humble enough always to remember that judicial authority is exercised not for our own benefit, but in service to the people in whom sovereignty lies and for whom justice is dispensed.”
Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah
Additionally, the new justices committed themselves to preserving the independence, integrity and dignity of the Judiciary. They pledged to hear cases fairly, determine matters according to law and remain faithful to the Constitution and the judicial oaths they had sworn.
She further recognised the Judicial Council, Council of State and Parliament for their respective roles in the constitutional processes leading to the appointments. She noted that the support of relatives, friends and professional mentors had also contributed significantly to their progress.
Concluding her address, Justice Bernasko Essah assured Ghanaians that the three justices would approach their duties with fairness and integrity. She reiterated their commitment to serving the public and protecting the constitutional principles that underpin the administration of justice.
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