President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially appointed 21 new judges to the High Court, emphasising the importance of maintaining the judiciary’s integrity and fostering a culture of professionalism within the legal system.
The swearing-in, which occurred on September 30, 2024, Abigail Animah Asare, Dorinda Smith-Arthur, Veronique Praba Tetteh, Charles Kwasi Acheampong, Arith Nsemoh, Abdul Razak Musah, Samuel Djanie Kotey, Stephen Kumi, Abbas Abubakari Adams, Felix Datsomor, Agnes Opoku-Barnieh, Afia Owusuaa Appiah, Ellen Ofei-Ayeh, Winnie Amoatey-Owusu, Enid Marful-Sau, Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, Ernest Pascal Gemadzie, Nathan Parker Yarney, Oliver Abada, Frimpong Amoako, and Akosua Dansoa Asiama Christopher.
During a concise ceremony at Jubilee House in Accra, the President urged the new judges to recognize that their responsibilities extend beyond legal knowledge and skills; they must also embody impartiality and possess the courage to administer justice fairly and without bias.
He said underpinning this was extreme professionalism and the rule of law.
The President said much of the judiciary’s work began and often ended at the High Court, stating that the Ghanaian people were looking to the judges to demonstrate honesty, sound judgement, and a strong commitment to the rule of law.
“But beyond qualifications, it is their sense of fairness, independence of mind, and devotion to the rule of law that will ultimately define their service as High Court justices,” he said while congratulating them on their elevation.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the determination of Ghanaians to build a nation governed by justice, equity, and fairness could only be guaranteed by the judiciary, particularly the High Court, which played a central role in maintaining and preserving those values.
“The responsibilities that lie before you as High Court justices are thus indeed formidable.
“You are tasked with upholding the fundamental human rights of every citizen, acting as impartial arbiters in disputes between the state and its citizens, and between citizens themselves. You must be the bulwark that defends the liberties of our people and promotes the orderly and just development of our nation,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo emphasised that the authority and respect held by the High Court were crucial for the nation’s effective functioning, stressing that the role of the newly appointed justices went beyond just interpreting the law; “it also involved ensuring that justice is delivered fairly and with integrity.”
To this end, he called on all 21 new justices to exemplify honesty, good judgement, and a strong commitment to the rule of law, since the Ghanaian people were counting on them to uphold these principles.
“I say this: your task is not merely one of interpreting the law…It is also about showing that justice is served impartially and with integrity. The Ghanaian people are looking to you to demonstrate honesty, sound judgement, and a strong attachment to the rule of law,” he stressed.
President Akufo-Addo also urged the judges to avoid corruption in their roles, stating, “Even the slightest hint of corruption irreversibly undermines the authority and effectiveness of our courts and other institutions.”