President John Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang with the new judges
President John Mahama yesterday swore in three new justices to the Supreme Court, urging them to uphold the Constitution.
The President also called on the three new judges – Justices Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jnr. to protect the rights of citizens, and ensure that no individual or institution is placed above the law.
This brings to 10, the total number of Supreme Court Judges appointed by President Mahama since taking office on January 7, 2025.
The three were approved by Parliament on August 27, 2026 despite protest by the Minority who walked out during their vetting.
The Minority had alleged that both sides of the House had agreed to vet the three then nominees in October when Parliament resumes from recess, pointing out that there was no urgency for the nominees to be rushed through a vetting process before the agreed timeline.
Justice Delivery
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Mahama noted that the authority of the Supreme Court should not come from political influence or force but from the confidence Ghanaians have in its ability to deliver justice fairly and independently.
He indicated that the Supreme Court holds a critical position in Ghana’s democratic system, pointing out that its decisions have far-reaching consequences; from interpreting the constitution to resolving matters of national importance and shaping the development of Ghana’s laws.
“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,” the President said.
President Mahama further pointed out the Ghanaian public must be assured that cases brought before the Supreme Court “will be determined independently, impartially and strictly according to the law.”
He added that those appointed to the Supreme Court must possess more than just legal knowledge, while encouraging them to “demonstrate sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a deep commitment to justice.”
Highest Standards
Meanwhile, President Mahama has urged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold the highest standards of integrity and demonstrate sound judgment, intellectual courage, patience and an unwavering commitment to justice.
He also encouraged them to be prepared to protect constitutional rights, uphold the separation of powers and ensure that no individual or institution is placed above the law.
President Mahama expressed concern about prolonged cases, avoidable adjournments and delays in delivering judgments, warning that such challenges could erode public confidence and impose significant hardship on ordinary citizens
He added that public confidence in the judiciary is shaped not only by the quality of judicial decisions but also by the conduct of judges, the accessibility of the courts and the timely delivery of justice.
Justice Amoako Asante previously served as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice after he was appointed to the Community Court of Justice in July 2018.
He was elected by the College of Judges as the Sixth President of the Court and served as President until October 2024, after being re-elected twice to the role.
Having concluded his tenure as President of the ECOWAS Court, he returned to Ghana and joined his colleagues at the Court of Appeal following his appointment in August 2020.
Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah also brings extensive legal experience to the job having served as a judge over the years.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak