Mahama swears in three new Supreme Court justices, urges judicial independence

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn three new Justices of the Supreme Court into office, charging them to uphold the Constitution, safeguard judicial independence and help restore and strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.

The new Justices are Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, Edward Amoako Asante and Anthony Forson Jnr, a private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

They took the oath of office on Thursday, September 10, 2026, following their approval by Parliament.

At the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama described the Supreme Court as a vital pillar of Ghana’s constitutional democracy and the country’s highest judicial authority.

“The Supreme Court occupies a unique and indispensable place in governing our Republic. As the final judicial authority, its decisions give meaning to our Constitution, settle questions of profound national importance, and shape the evolution of our laws,” he said.

President Mahama said public confidence in the judiciary was closely linked to the Court’s ability to determine cases independently, impartially and strictly in accordance with the law.

He therefore urged the new Justices to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour while maintaining an unwavering commitment to justice.

“The oath you have taken today is consequential, not ceremonial. It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana. It requires you to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will, and to defend the Constitution of Ghana at all times,” the President said.

He stressed that judicial independence remained critical to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring fair outcomes, particularly in cases involving politically sensitive or complex issues.

President Mahama also urged the judiciary to pursue reforms that would improve the efficiency and accessibility of justice, including the appropriate application of technology in court administration.

Congratulating the 3 new Justices, he urged them to allow the Constitution to guide their decisions and to approach every case with humility, patience, courage and fairness.

The President expressed confidence that their experience and expertise would strengthen Ghana’s justice system and contribute to deepening public trust in the judiciary.