President Akufo-Addo has charged three newly sworn-in judges of the Court of Appeal to carry out their duty of adjudicating cases without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
The president made this appeal as he addressed a swearing-in ceremony for three newly appointed justices of the Court of Appeal – George Koomson, Edward Amoako Asante (president of the ECOWAS Court) and Novisi Afua Aryene – at the seat of the presidency in Accra, Jubilee House.
“To our new justices of the Court of Appeal, it is important to bear in mind that the growth of our nation demands that we have a judiciary that commands the respect of the people by the quality of its delivery of justice as well as the comportment of its judges,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“Application of the laws of the land must occur in the words of the judicial oath you have taken, without fear, or favour, affection or ill-will and, therefore, without recourse to political, religious or ethnic affiliations of any citizens of the land,” he said.
The judges’ response
In a brief speech on behalf of his two colleagues, Justice George Koomson said they are mindful of the huge task and responsibility entrusted to them through their appointment as Court of Appeal judges.
He pledged that they will live up to this.
“We would like to assure your presidency and the good people of Ghana that we will continue to protect the rights and liberties of the people with dignity, honesty and integrity,” Justice Koomson said.
Other judges take a seat
President Akufo-Addo will also swear in three further judges of the Court of Appeal.
They are Justice Eric Baah, Justice Richard Adjei Frimpong and Ms Cynthia Pamela Akotoaa Addo, the Judicial Secretary.
This will bring the number of newly appointed Court of Appeal judges to six.
The Appeal Court
According to the website for the judiciary, www.judicial.gov.gh, there are currently 29 justices of the Court of Appeal.
They are Justices Paul K Gyaesayor, Victor D Ofoe, Francis G Kobieh, Irene Charity Danquah, Senyo Dzamefe, Dennis Dominic Adjei, Margaret Welbourne, Barbara F Ackah Yensu, Cecilia Hanzzy-Sowah, Lawrence L Mensah, Henry A Kwofie, Gbiel S Suurbaareh, Mabel Maame Agyemang, Angelina Mornah Domakyaareh, Nicholas Charles A Agbevor, Alex Poku-Acheampong, Merley Afua Wood, Amma Abuakwaa Gaisie, Anthony Oppong, Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Philip Bright Mensah, Angelina Mensah-Homiah, Jennifer A Dodoo, Janapare A Bartels-Kwodwo, Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Georgina Mensah-Datsa, Eric Kyei Baffour, Yaw Darko Asare and Obeng-Manu Jnr.
The appointment of the newly sworn-in judges brings the membership of the Court of Appeal to 35.
Click on the link below to listen to President Akufo-Addo’s address.
Wilberforce Asaase / Asaase Radio
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