Professional Seniority, Meritocracy And The Hierarchical Ascendancy To The Highest Judicial Office

His Lordship Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, who has served in the Supreme Court since 2015, is an established senior member of the judiciary in Ghana. Chief Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie, also from Ghana, is set to retire in 2026. The concept of ascending to top professional positions based on merit, accumulated experience, seniority, and dedicated service has long been a principle in Ghana.

Advancing professionals through these criteria fosters stability, discipline, and motivates individuals to aim for the highest levels of their professions.

Government adoption of this approach could depoliticize career advancement within professions and bolster institutional independence. It also creates a predictable path where commitment, competence, and years of service are rewarded. The Government of Ghana and the Judiciary should consider a career progression model comprising four steps: promotion from lower courts to higher courts, elevation from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, entry from private legal practice to the judiciary, and seniority and merit at the apex.

Appointing leaders who possess extensive legal practice, judicial service, and Supreme Court experiences, such as His Lordship Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, could be beneficial. His accumulated professional credentials make him a strong contender for the highest judicial office in Ghana. Balancing professional seniority with merit, under constitutional safeguards, can enhance institutional independence, growth, public confidence, and overall nation-building.