President John Dramani Mahama has called for the protection of the Judiciary from political interference, economic manipulation, and public intimidation.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of seven new Supreme Court Justices on Thursday at the Presidency, the president stated that an independent judiciary is not a threat to government but rather a partner in nation-building.
He further stressed the need for justices who are anchored in the Constitution and driven by a genuine desire to uphold justice without fear or favor.
“We must protect our courts from political interference, economic manipulation, and public intimidation. An independent judiciary is not a threat to the government. It is a partner in nation building,” President Mahama declared during the swearing-in of the seven new justices.
The President outlined his expectations for the newly appointed justices, calling for judicial officers who are not swayed by popularity or pressure but remain steadfast in their constitutional duties.
He emphasised that the country needs justices who understand that legal sensitivity and predictability are essential for good governance, investor confidence, economic growth, and social cohesion.
“We need justices who are not swayed by popularity or pressure, but are anchored in the Constitution and driven by a genuine desire to uphold justice without fear or favor,” Mahama stated, addressing the newly sworn-in justices directly.
The President positioned judicial independence as a basis of democratic governance, noting that “where the judiciary is strong, society remains stable, and where it is impartial, citizens feel secure. He stressed that when the judiciary is respected, democracy flourishes.
President Mahama charged the new justices to interpret the law not just as it is, but as it ought to be, remaining alive to context and sensitive to the lived realities of the Ghanaian people.
He urged them to speak through their judgments rather than their opinions and to show leadership through principle rather than preference.
“Wear it with wisdom. Interpret the law not just as it is, but as it ought to be, alive to context and sensitive to the lived realities of the Ghanaian people,” the President advised the justices about their judicial robes, describing them as symbols of service, humility, and accountability.
The call for judicial independence comes at a time when the President acknowledged that Ghana’s judiciary, like many democratic institutions, has come under public scrutiny in recent years.
He described this as an opportunity to begin again, reaffirm the judiciary’s independence, rebuild its reputation, and restore the people’s faith in the rule of law.
The seven newly sworn-in Supreme Court Justices are Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, and Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo.