Two new justices of the Supreme Court have been appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who also charged them with strengthening the development of Ghana’s constitutional and other jurisprudence at the highest court.
They are Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu of the High Court and Justice George Kingsley Koomson of the Appeal Court.
Their appointment to the Supreme Court was required by the openings left by Justices Clemence Jackson Honyenuga and Agnes Mercy Abla Dordzie’s retirements in September and October of last year, respectively.
Following a thorough investigation and confirmation procedure by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the legislature last month gave its approval to the nomination of the two justices.
The President congratulated the two on their appointments and said they merited the promotion during a brief ceremony on Tuesday at Jubilee House in Accra, where they took the Allegiance, Judiciary, and Secrecy oaths.
He urged them to remember that the nation’s development required that “we have a Judiciary that commands the respect of the people by the quality of its delivery of justice, as well as by the comportment of its Judges.”
“Application of the laws of the land must occur, in the words of the Judicial Oath, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will, and, therefore, without recourse to the political, religious or ethnic affiliations of any citizen of the land, or of any person before you.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that when someone broke the law, society expected that they would be punished appropriately. As a result, law enforcement agencies, including the Supreme Court, must make sure that this happens.
“This is the true meaning of the concept of equality before the law and I am confident that you would uphold it,” he told the judges.
The President highlighted that it was crucial for justices of the highest court in the land to have a “strong understanding of the law and of precedent,” as all other courts are required to abide by the rulings of the Supreme Court on matters of law.
According to him, the Supreme Court is designated by the Constitution as the policy court where important choices about the nation’s socioeconomic development are made in response to the needs of the day.
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Thus, he stated that the Supreme Court judges’ viewpoint was essential for national growth, particularly given the difficult economic climate the nation is currently experiencing.
Judge Koomson thanked the President for placing their trust in them and vowed to protect the Ghanaian constitution.
He assured them that they would uphold the fundamental rights of the populace and continue to serve with honor, respect, and integrity.
“We are committed to serving with professionalism and impartiality. We recognize the enormous nature of the work and the responsibility that comes with the position… We, however, promise to give decisions that are just, fair, and in accordance with the law,” he said.
Source: GNA
