Dispense justice swiftly and impartially– Akufo-Addo charges 21 new High Court judges

President Akufo-Addo has charged some twenty-one newly appointed justices of the High Court of Judicature to do everything within their mandate to serve justices to the people of Ghana swiftly and impartially.

Addressing the newly sworn-in justices at the banquet hall of the Jubilee House on Monday, 30 September 2024 after administering the oaths of office, allegiance, and secrecy to them, President Akufo-Addo said by assuming the high office of justices of the High Court, the Ghanaian people have entrusted their wellbeing to them and they cannot fail the people.

“The High Court is stipulated in Article 140 of the constitution as a superior court of record with jurisdiction in all matters particularly in civil and criminal matters, its significance is undeniable. It is at the High Court that most of the work of the judiciary begins and often ends.

“It is here that the most critical decisions that affect the lives of ordinary Ghanaians are made. The authority and respect commanded by this court are essential for the proper functioning of our country. To our newly appointed justices, I say this, your task is not merely interpreting the law, it is also about ensuring that justice is served impartially and with integrity,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

“The Ghanaian people are looking up to you to demonstrate honesty, sound judgment, and a strong attachment to the rule of law. A corrupt or incompetent judge does more than fail in his or her duty, he or she, poses a significant danger to the administration of justice and the public interest,” Akufo-Addo further remarked.

Undue delays

In his address, President Akufo-Addo noted that an issue of concern to him and many Ghanaians is the seeming delays that Ghanaians’ justice system is largely associated with and the negative impact that these delays have on the nation’s ability to attract investors.

He observed that various statutes have been passed that are designed to empower judges to take control of their courts and to ensure speedy adjudication of cases that come before their courts. The President therefore called on the judges to prevent all undue delays in their courts.

“We have come a long way in the judicial process where delays were seen as inevitable. In the past, judges allowed parties to dictate the pace of cases leading to significant delays. But today, through case management provisions in CI (Constitutional Instrument) 47 of 2004, and subsequent reforms in CI 84 of 2014, judges have been provided with the tools to take control of the courtroom and manage cases efficiently,” the President stated.

“This is essential not only for the delivery of justice but also for Ghana’s image as an attractive destination for investment. Lengthy litigation processes undermine the confidence of investors and citizens alike. As such, I urge you to be vigilant against undue delays and ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and effectively,” Akufo-Addo added.

Ready to serve

In their response to the charge of the President, the judges through Justice Anima Asare, one of the 21 new judges, assured the President and all other stakeholders that they would abide by the dictates of the oaths they have taken in the discharge of their judicial offices.

She added that they will treat all manner of persons who come before them equally by the laws of the country. Justice Asare also expressed the appreciation of all the judges to the President for the confidence he has reposed in them.

The new judges

Out of the twenty-one newly appointed justices of the High Court, sixteen of them have been promoted from their previous positions as Circuit Court judges and five of them are joining the bench from private practice.

The 21 new justices of the High Court are their lordships, justices Abigail Animah Asare, Dorinda Smith-Arthur, Veronique Praba Tetteh, Charles Kwasi Acheampong, Arit Nsemoh, Abdul-Razak Musah, Samuel Djanie Kotey, Stephen Kumi, Abass Abubakari Adams, Felix Datsomor, and Agnes Opoku-Barnieh.

The rest of the justices are; Afia Owusuaa Appiah, Ellen Ofori-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.