President Akufo-Addo swears in new Appeals Court Judges

President Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, swore into office 5 new Court of Appeals Judges, at the Banquet Hall of the Jubilee House in fulfillment of Article 144(3) of the Constitution.

The five Justices, consisting of three men and two women, were described by the President as being “eminently fit and qualified for the position of Justices of the Court of Appeal, and have the independence of mind and impartiality of spirit to hold this high office.”

They are Justice Nicholas Charles Abbey Agbevor, Justice Alex Berchie Poku-Acheampong, Justice Anthony Kwadwo Yeboah, Justice Merley Afua Wood, and Justice Amma Abuakwaa Gaisie.

In a short counsel to the new Justices of the Appeals Court, President Akufo-Addo urged them to bear in mind that the growth of Ghana needs a Judiciary that commands the respect of the people by the nature of its delivery of justice, as well as by the comportment of its judges.

“It is vitally important that we have judges who are honest, possess integrity and a sound knowledge of the law. Application of the laws of the land must occur, in the words of the judicial oath, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, and, therefore, without recourse to the political, religious or ethnic affiliations of any citizen of the land,” the President said.

He continued, “When you fall foul of the law, we expect that they must be dealt with accordingly, and the law enforcement agencies, including you at the Appeals Court, must ensure this is done. We cannot have development, which will bring jobs to our youth, without order.”

President Akufo-Addo further stated that the strict application of the laws of the land would help restore the confidence of the Ghanaian people in the Judiciary, following the recent, dramatic exposé of corruption in the Judiciary by one of the nation’s leading investigative journalists.

“With the Special Prosecutor having been sworn into office, to ensure accountability of public officials, past and present, who engage in acts of corruption and financial malfeasance, it is my expectation that you help facilitate the work of this Office,” he added.

The Court of Appeal has no original jurisdiction. It serves as the Appellate Court for the High Courts and the Circuit Courts, unless otherwise provided by law.

Article 136 of the Constitution states that the Court of Appeal shall consist of the Chief Justice, not less than 10 other Justices of the Superior Court as the Chief Justice may request to sit in the Court of Appeal.

Any three (3) Justices, however, duly constitute the Court.
Currently, there are twenty-six (26) Justices of the Court of Appeal.