President John Dramani Mahama has officially administered the oath of office to three newly appointed Supreme Court judges following their successful vetting by Parliament.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Jubilee House.
The newly elevated apex court judges comprise Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, a former Justice of the Court of Appeal; Justice Edward Amoako Asante, also a former Justice of the Court of Appeal; and Anthony Forson Jnr, a private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
Speaking at the brief ceremony, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, emphasizing that such autonomy remains critical to protecting the fundamental rights of the populace.
Directing his remarks to the newly inducted Justices, the President clarified that judicial independence is designed to serve the public rather than the bench.
“As President, I remain fully committed to judicial independence,” he said.
“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, even when the issues before the courts are difficult, unpopular, or politically sensitive.”
The President nevertheless noted that independence must be balanced with strict accountability, unwavering discipline, and total adherence to the judicial oath.
He maintained that public trust in the administration of justice hinges on the integrity of bench members, the overall accessibility of the legal system, and the prompt resolution of cases, alongside the quality of rulings.
“Justice delayed continues to impose immense hardship on our ordinary citizens,” he said.
President Mahama added that protracted legal battles, unnecessary postponements, and sluggish judgment delivery erode public trust and effectively deny citizens the justice they seek.
To address these challenges, he urged the legal sector to drive modernisation efforts, integrate technology, and streamline court procedures to ensure affordable, swift justice for all Ghanaians, regardless of financial background or location.
He further charged the apex court to ensure its rulings are delivered with “extreme clarity” to help build a robust legal foundation and deepen public confidence in the judicial process.
