ACCRA, Ghana, 10th September: President John Dramani Mahama has reminded three newly sworn-in Supreme Court Justices that their judicial oath is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana and not merely a ceremonial requirement.
He said the oath imposes a profound responsibility on the Justices to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will, while defending the Constitution at all times.
The President made the remarks during the swearing-in of Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Tony Forson Jnr as Justices of the Supreme Court.
He congratulated the three Justices on receiving Parliament’s approval and assuming what he described as one of the highest and most demanding offices in Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
President Mahama said membership of the Supreme Court required more than legal knowledge, stressing that judges must possess sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a deep commitment to justice.
He said they must also be prepared to protect constitutional rights, preserve the separation of powers and ensure that no individual or institution was placed above the law.
“The oath you have taken today is consequential, not ceremonial. It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana,” President Mahama said.
He urged the new Justices to make the Constitution their compass as they undertake their responsibilities on the Supreme Court.
According to him, the Court’s decisions have far-reaching consequences because they give meaning to the Constitution, settle questions of profound national importance and shape the development of Ghana’s laws.
He said public confidence in the Supreme Court ultimately depended on the belief that every case would be determined independently, impartially and strictly according to the law.
President Mahama further urged the Justices to remember the human consequences of their decisions and to approach every case with humility and patience.
“Approach every matter with humility, listen patiently, examine the law carefully, decide courageously, and let justice and the national interest remain your abiding purpose,” he said.
He wished the three Justices wisdom, integrity and independence, and expressed the hope that their judgments would deepen Ghana’s democracy, protect the vulnerable and strengthen the rule of law.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭