We shall be independent enough- SC Judges assure Mahama

Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, a recently appointed Supreme Court (SC) Judge, has confidently declared to President John Dramani Mahama that she and her fellow newly sworn-in SC Judges would maintain their independence in order to make decisions based on the law. "We are entrusted with the task of not distorting the law to suit personal preferences, but rather of interpreting and applying it faithfully, impartially, and fearlessly," stated Mrs. Justice Essah.

She made this promise during the swearing-in ceremony of her colleagues at the Banquet Hall of the Presidency in Accra, alongside Mr. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Mr. Justice Tony Forson, and herself. Mrs. Justice Essah expressed her gratitude to President Mahama for the honor of appointing them as justices of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

She also thanked Almighty God for the grace, strength, and guidance that had supported her throughout her career and brought her to this significant moment. Mrs. Justice Essah reminded everyone that they had taken solemn oaths to uphold the Constitution and Ghana's laws while administering justice without any favoritism, fear, affection, or ill will.

She emphasized that they had come to the Supreme Court, fully aware of the sacred trust of the judicial office, and were prepared to act courageously when faced with difficult decisions. The new judges acknowledged the crucial role played by various constitutional bodies and institutions in the process leading to this day, particularly the Judicial Council, the Council of State, and Parliament.

They also expressed deep gratitude to those whose contributions might not be recognized in official records, including their families, friends, colleagues, and mentors. Mrs. Justice Essah expressed her gratitude to the Chief Justice and her fellow Supreme Court Judges for joining them in serving the judiciary with independence, integrity, and dignity.

She pledged to her fellow justices and the people of Ghana to always hear every case with fairness and impartiality, decide according to the law, act with courage and integrity, and remain faithful to the Constitution and the oaths they have sworn. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.