Justice Senyo Dzamefe, one of President John Dramani Mahama’s seven nominees to the Supreme Court, has made a strong case for equipping the judiciary with ample resources and motivation to enhance justice delivery across the nation.
Justice Dzamefe emphasized the critical need to provide judicial personnel with improved motivation and modern working tools to boost their productivity. He also advocated for the construction of more courts to expedite the administration of justice.
Addressing the perennial question of judicial independence, Justice Dzamefe clarified that the judiciary operates independently in its handling of cases and its internal administration.
However, he acknowledged a significant limitation in the area of finance and budget. The nominee noted that the judiciary lacks control over its annual budgetary allocation, which is determined by the executive branch subject to parliamentary approval, thus impacting its complete financial autonomy.
When questioned about the potential for judicial compromise, Justice Dzamefe firmly stated that judges cannot be compromised in their dispensation of justice, as their decisions are strictly based on evidence presented.
Regarding the contentious issue of capping the number of Supreme Court judges, Justice Dzamefe explained that since the constitution does not specify a maximum number of justices for the Supreme Court, there is no inherent issue if the President deems it necessary to nominate additional judges.
“The framers of our laws know why they haven’t put a limit on number of Supreme Court judges. He affirmed, “So far as that has not been done, I am for it.”
He also voiced his disagreement with proposals to raise the retirement age for Supreme Court judges to 75, advocating for the retention of the current retirement age of 70. “I don’t agree to sending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges to 75,” he stated. “We should keep it at 70.”
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
