President John Dramani Mahama has charged three newly sworn-in Justices of the Supreme Court to uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of citizens and administer justice independently and impartially without fear or favour.
The President made the call when he swore in Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokunwa Bernasco-Essa, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Fawcett Jr., popularly known as Tony Fawcett, as Justices of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
President Mahama congratulated the three jurists on their appointments following Parliament’s approval, describing their new positions as among the highest and most demanding responsibilities in Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
“I congratulate each of you on receiving Parliament’s approval and on assuming one of the highest and most demanding offices in our constitutional democracy,” he said.
He also acknowledged the families, colleagues and mentors of the new Justices for the sacrifices and support that contributed to their professional journeys.
Supreme Court must command public confidence
President Mahama said the Supreme Court occupied a unique and indispensable position in Ghana’s constitutional order as the final judicial authority in the country.
He noted that the Court’s decisions give meaning to the Constitution, settle matters of profound national importance and influence the development of Ghanaian law.
“The authority of the Court does not rest on force or political power. It rests on the confidence and trust of the people,” President Mahama stated.
He said such confidence could only be sustained when citizens were assured that cases brought before the Court would be determined independently, impartially and strictly according to law.
According to him, membership of the Supreme Court required more than legal knowledge, stressing the importance of sound judgment, integrity, intellectual courage, patience and an unwavering commitment to justice.
“They must be prepared to protect constitutional rights, preserve the separation of powers, and ensure that no individual or institution is placed above the law,” he said.
Oath is a covenant with Ghanaians
The President reminded the newly sworn-in Justices that the oath they had taken was not merely ceremonial but represented a solemn obligation to the people of Ghana.
“The oath you have taken today is consequential, not ceremonial. It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana,” he said.
He urged them to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will, while defending the Constitution at all times.
Mahama praises Justice Bernasco-Essa
President Mahama commended Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokunwa Bernasco-Essa for her extensive judicial experience and understanding of the practical administration of justice.
He said her service on the Court of Appeal had exposed her to complex legal questions and the review of decisions from lower courts, contributing to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence.
“Justice Bernasco-Essa, your elevation recognises the competence, discipline, and dedication you have demonstrated throughout your judicial career,” he said.
He added that her experience would be valuable in strengthening the quality, clarity and consistency of decisions of the Supreme Court.
The President also offered her a message of faith, saying: “All things work together for good for those who love God.”
Asante’s national and regional experience
President Mahama described Justice Edward Amoako Asante as bringing significant judicial and regional experience to the Supreme Court.
Justice Asante previously served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal and as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, giving him experience in both Ghana’s judicial system and regional adjudication.
The President said that experience exposed him to issues involving regional integration, treaty obligations, human rights, and the relationship between domestic and international law.
“This combination of national and regional experience provides a valuable perspective for our Supreme Court,” President Mahama said.
He noted that as legal questions increasingly crossed national borders, Justice Asante’s understanding of both Ghanaian jurisprudence and regional legal frameworks would enrich the Court’s deliberations.
Fawcett brings perspective from the Bar
President Mahama said Justice Anthony Fawcett Jr. would bring another important dimension to the Supreme Court through his decades of private legal practice and leadership of the Ghana Bar Association.
He said Justice Fawcett’s experience had exposed him to the legal concerns of citizens, businesses, public institutions and lawyers seeking justice before the courts.
“Mr. Fawcett, your transition from the Bar to the Bench is significant.
The advocate advances a client’s case, but the judge must rise above every competing interest and decide solely on the law, the evidence, and the dictates of justice,” he stated.
The President expressed confidence that Justice Fawcett’s practical knowledge of litigation and the challenges faced by court users would help the Supreme Court appreciate how legal principles affect the everyday lives of citizens.
Mahama reaffirms judicial independence
President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to judicial independence, describing it as a protection for citizens rather than a privilege for judges.
“Judicial independence is not a privilege granted to judges for their personal benefit. It is a protection that is afforded to citizens so that their rights may be determined fairly,” he said.
He, however, stressed that judicial independence must be accompanied by accountability, discipline and fidelity to the judicial oath.
The President also urged the judiciary to address delays in the administration of justice, warning that prolonged cases and avoidable adjournments could undermine public confidence.
“Justice delayed continues to impose immense pressure on our ordinary citizens,” he said.
He called for continued reforms to improve judicial efficiency, embrace appropriate technology and make justice more accessible to Ghanaians irrespective of their income, status or geographical location.
‘Let the Constitution remain your compass’
President Mahama urged the three new Justices to remain steadfast when confronted with politically sensitive cases or matters capable of generating strong public emotions.
“To our new Justices, let the Constitution remain your compass,” he said.
“You will sometimes be called upon to decide matters that generate strong public emotions and competing political interests. In those moments, you must remain unmoved by the pressures, the praise, or the criticism.”
He urged the Justices not to allow themselves to be defined by the individuals, governments or institutions appearing before them.
“Let the quality of your reasoning define your legacy, the fairness of your decisions, and your unwavering loyalty to the Constitution,” he stated.
President Mahama reminded them that behind every case file were human beings whose rights, livelihoods, freedoms and futures could depend on their decisions.
“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 added.
Congratulations to new Justices
President Mahama concluded by congratulating Justice Bernasco-Essa, Justice Asante and Justice Fawcett and urging them to serve Ghana with wisdom, integrity and independence.
“May you serve with wisdom, integrity, and independence. May your judgments deepen our democracy, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen the rule of law,” he said.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I congratulate you and wish you a successful and distinguished tenure on the Supreme Court of Ghana.”
He ended with a prayer for the new Justices, the judiciary and the Republic of Ghana, saying: “May God guide you in the discharge of your duties, may God bless the judiciary, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
