The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has sworn into office 21 new high court judges to increase the overall current number of high court judges from 106 to 127.
The president administered the oaths of allegiance and secrecy as well as the judicial oath to the new Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature in the Banquet Hall of Jubilee House in Accra today (7 February 2023).
The new judges
Among the new justices are Kwame Polley, William Appiah Twumasi, Baah Forson Agyapong, Marian Affoh, Nana Brew, Abena Anponsah Buansi, Ellen Lordina Serwaa Mirehu, Priscilla Dapaah Mireku, Alexander Oworae,Joyce Boahen, Edward Twum and Gwendolyn Millicent Owusu.
The rest are Justices Rosemary Baah Tosu, Frederick Kwabena Twumasi, Adedaide Abui Keddey, Harry Aheampong- Opoku, Kenneth Edem Kudjordjie, John-Mark Nuku Alifo, Kwesi Adjenim-Boateng, George Aikins Ampiah- Bonney and Marie-Louise Simmons.
Eschew corruption
In an address to the 21 newly appointed justices of the high court, President Akufo-Addo charged them to eschew all forms and temptations of corruption throughout their journey as judges of the Superior Court of Judicature.
He urged the judges to ensure that they go about the adjudication of their cases in their courtrooms without fear or favor, ill will, or affection.
“It is essential that you exhibit that you are honest, possess integrity, and a sound knowledge of the law. A corrupt or incompetent judge is a danger to the public interest and judicial administration” President Akufo-Addo said.
Commitment to duty
Responding to the president’s words of encouragement, Justice Kwame Polley said that, he and his colleagues are eternally grateful for the confidence reposed in them by the state to serve as judges.
Polley further said that he and his colleague justices have set their hearts and minds on discharging their duties in line with the constitution and all other statutes in the land.
“On behalf of my colleague justices sworn in today to the high court ,and on my own behalf, we express our profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in us,” Justice Polley said.
“We have resolved to discharge our mandate and duties as provided by the constitution and the laws of our dear nation, Ghana.
“Specifically, we promise to work to the best of our abilities without fear, favour or ill affection toward all manner of persons who may appear before us,” he said.