Akufo-Addo swears in two High Court judges

On Monday, August 28, President Nana Akufo-Addo swore in two new High Court judges and tasked them with upholding the law impartially, severely, and without fear, favor, or malice.

According to him, the judiciary must earn the public’s respect via the quality of the justice it delivers and the conduct of its members.

Justices Ama Sefenya Ayittey and Dorothy Ayodele Kingsly-Nyinah have been appointed as the new justices.

The President congratulated them on their appointment during a ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra during which he administered the judicial oath, the oath of loyalty, and the oath of secrecy.

He exhorted them to stand out in their work by displaying honesty, integrity, and a solid understanding of the law.

The President described as unacceptable “the situation where Judges proffered judgments on the basis of decisions from lower courts and cite them as law and even less so when Judges cite no authority at all for their rulings and give order without reasons.”

They have to be familiar with case law and make sure that their judgements and decisions were based on sound reasoning.

President Akufo-Addo urged the judges to make sure they decide cases without favoritism, fear, or goodwill and that they always uphold the citizens’ fundamental rights.

He further admonished them to be mindful of unjustified delays that portrayed Ghana as a location where litigation took an excessive amount of time, emphasizing that “This affects the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.”

In order to keep Ghanaians’ trust and retain the country’s reputation as one where the rule of law is upheld, the President urged the judges to use technology to advance the rule of law.

“We know that harnessing the power of technology to advance the rule of law is critical in this modern era, if we are to maintain the confidence of the Ghanaian people and shore-up our nations reputation as a country governed by the rule of law.

“I encourage both of you to take full advantage of the E-justice system in order to expedite the conduct of cases that comes before you and enhance the management of cases before the court,” he said.

The President was praised by Justice Kingsly-Nyinah for the trust he had placed in her and her colleague.

She made a promise that they would carry out their responsibilities in line with the constitution and all other laws and that justice would be seen as being administered fairly.