‘Let the Constitution remain your compass’ – Mahama urges new SC Judges

President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated three new Supreme Court Judges on Thursday, encouraging them to allow the Constitution to be their guiding principle. The newly appointed judges are Mrs. Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Mr. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Mr. Justice Tony Forson. Mahama reminded them that they may face emotionally charged cases with conflicting political interests, urging them to remain impartial and not swayed by public pressure or individual opinions.

At the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidency in Accra, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie were present. Mahama praised the three new judges for their diverse backgrounds, citing Mrs. Justice Essah's extensive experience on the bench, Mr. Justice Asante's appellate and regional judicial expertise, and Mr. Justice Forson's insights from private legal practice and his leadership role in the Ghana Bar Association.

Together, Mahama believed their combined experiences would strengthen the Supreme Court and advance Ghanaian law.

Mahama emphasized that judicial independence is crucial for protecting citizens' rights, even in politically sensitive matters, but it must be accompanied by accountability, discipline, and fidelity to the judiciary. He stressed that public confidence in the judiciary relies on the quality of decisions, the accessibility of courts, and timely delivery of justice.

To enhance efficiency and accessibility, Mahama encouraged the judiciary to pursue reforms, embrace technology, and ensure clear, well-reasoned judgments that provide reliable guidance to lower courts and citizens.

Mrs. Justice Essah thanked President Mahama for appointing her to the Supreme Court and expressed gratitude for the guidance and strength she has received. She affirmed that the solemn oaths she and her colleagues took would guide their actions in upholding the Constitution and applying justice impartially.