President Akufo-Addo yesterday performed his constitutionally mandated duty of swearing in two new judges approved by Parliament to the Supreme Court.
They are Justices George Kingsley Koomson and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu who have been promoted to the highest court of the land.
That was however not without a charge to do everything within their mandate to strengthen the development of the country’s constitution and jurisprudence.
Speaking at a short but colourful ceremony a the Jubilee House after administering the judicial oath, oath of secrecy, and oath of allegiance, he said since 1966, the Apex Court of the land has been on a path of progress and new appointees to the bench must ensure that the development continues.
“The post-1966 Supreme Court has developed a positive reputation for the quality of its constitution jurisprudence and I am hopeful that you who have already given good accounts of yourselves in high judicial office in the Court of Appeal and the High Court, will help strengthen the development of the nation’s constitutional and other jurisprudence in the Supreme Court,” President Akufo-Addo said.
As a court that occupies what he described as a sacred and unique place in the policy-making space of the country, President Akufo-Addo said their decisions have a direct implication on the socio-economic development of the nation, for which he urged the Justices of the Supreme Court to be mindful of this important role as they write and deliver judgments on the cases that come before them.
“Article 129 positions the Supreme Court as the policy Court where far-reaching decisions on our socio-economic development are fashioned in response to the exigencies of the times.
The perspectives of its judges are thus critical for our national development, especially in these challenging times” he pointed out.
On his part, Justice George Kingsley Koomson who spoke on his behalf and his colleague Justice expressed appreciation to the President and the government and people of Ghana for the opportunity to serve in their new role as Justices of the apex court of the land.
“As Justices of the Apex Court, we pledge to uphold the constitution of our nation and to assure you, your excellency, and the people of Ghana that we will continue to serve in dignity, respect, and in honesty”, were his words, and that “we shall always protect the fundamental human rights of our people” whilst porting their commitment yo serve with professionalism and impartiality.
Parliament on Friday 24 March 2023, approved by a majority vote, the nominations of Justice George Kingsley Koomson and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu for appointment as justices of the Supreme Court.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent