Justice Atuguba tips three Judges as 'solid and brilliant materials' for Supreme Court

Retired Supreme Court judge, Justice William Atuguba, has openly praised three members of the judiciary—Appeal Court Justices Professor Olivia Anku-Tsede and Alexander Osei Tutu, and High Court Justice Francis Achibonga—for their exceptional competence and integrity.

In an exclusive interview on Joy News on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Justice Atuguba was emphatic in his admiration for the trio, describing them as “solid and brilliant materials.”

Speaking on the importance of merit in judicial appointments, he said:

“When you want to build a sound country, you apply soundness to the decision you are making to every important sector of the administration. Nothing outside merit, integrity.”

Justice Atuguba strongly suggested that these judges be considered for elevation to the Supreme Court, citing their track record and professional excellence.

“There's another one judge there [Appeal Court] Osei Tutu; he went there not long ago but he's a solid material....He and other judge, Achibonga were sent to The Gambia and you think they were selected to go there randomly? Now, two of them are equally good. If you look at the Appeal Court; Prof. Anku-Tsede, I could see that she is very brilliant,” he remarked.

Known for his measured tone and deep insights, Justice Atuguba reiterated his belief that promotion within the judiciary should be based on more than just seniority.

“Yes! Seniority when it’s bypassed is wrong, but not just raw seniority. Competence and seniority when bypass is [also] wrong.”

When asked for his thoughts on the recent nomination of seven individuals to the Supreme Court, he offered a restrained response:

“I don’t know much about them.”

Justice Atuguba's remarks have sparked conversation about the qualities needed for judicial advancement, particularly at the highest level of the judiciary, and are likely to influence ongoing debates around merit-based appointments in Ghana’s legal system.