ACCRA, Oct 3 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in 21 new justices of the Court of Appeal, calling on them to deliver judgments that inspire public confidence and uphold the Constitution.
At a ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, Mr Mahama said the judiciary must guard against “cynicism, the corrosive belief that the courts no longer serve the people, but only the powerful.”
“Our courts must demonstrate in word and deed that justice is not compromised by status, wealth, or political convenience,” he said.
The ceremony, attended by Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, senior judges, ministers of state, and family members of the appointees, saw the president administer the oath of allegiance, the judicial oath, and the oath of secrecy.
The new Judges
The 21 new justices include 20 elevated from the High Court and one private legal practitioner. They are: Justice Justin Kofi Dorgu, Justice Daniel Mensah (also the Dormaahene), Justice George Boadi, Justice Ayitey Armah-Tetteh, Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, Justice Douglas Seidu, Justice Ali Baba Abature, Justice Mariama Samo, Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku, Justice Mary Maame Akua Yanzu, Justice Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed, Justice John Bosco Nabarese, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, Justice Dr Richmond Osei Hwere, Justice Francis Apongabuno Achibonga, Justice Charity Akosua Asem, Justice Enyonam Adinyira, Justice Sheila Mintah, Justice Franklina Gesila Adanu, and Justice Charles Adjei Wilson.
Mr Mahama highlighted that nine of the appointees are women, exceeding the 30% quota prescribed by Ghana’s Affirmative Action Law. “This cohort makes me especially proud,” he said, adding that gender balance strengthens the judiciary and deepens public trust.
Describing the Court of Appeal as “the people’s court,” the president said it was often the last hope for justice when other avenues had been exhausted. He told the judges: “You hold in your hands the power to heal wounds, restore confidence, and guide our nation towards fairness.”
Mr Mahama also stressed that the renewal of the courts was central to his government’s wider development agenda, including its 24-hour economic transformation policy. He urged the judges to carry with them the virtues of courage, integrity and humility.
“When citizens walk into the courts, they are not simply seeking judgments,” he said. “They are seeking hope — hope that the law will protect them, hope that their rights will be respected, and hope that their voices will be heard.”
