President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly sworn-in justices of the Supreme Court to interpret the law not merely in its literal form, but in ways that reflect the lived realities of the Ghanaian people and uphold the values of justice, equity, and compassion.
Addressing the swearing-in ceremony of seven new justices on Thursday, July 3, President Mahama emphasised the critical role of the judiciary in shaping Ghana’s democratic and developmental path. He called on the justices to go beyond technical interpretations and embody the law’s highest ideals.
“Interpret the law not just as it is, but as it ought to be; alive to context and sensitive to the lived realities of the Ghanaian people,” he said. “Speak through your judgments, not your opinions. Show leadership through principle, not preference.”
The President described the new appointments as a constitutional trust and a national moment to reset, renew, and rebuild public faith in the judiciary.
“All of you come unto the Supreme Court with vast experience and a solid knowledge of the law and are deserving of this high office,” he stated. “This robe is not simply a mark of office. It is a public trust; a symbol of service, humility, and accountability.”
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He reminded the justices that their responsibilities go beyond legal rulings.
“You are expected to serve not as arbiters of technicalities, but as stewards of justice and conscience,” President Mahama noted. “Yours is not only a legal role, but a moral responsibility to safeguard our Constitution’s spirit and interpret it in ways that advance the common good and protect the most vulnerable.”
Reflecting on the erosion of public confidence in state institutions, he said the judiciary must now rise to the occasion and become a reassuring pillar for citizens seeking fairness and equality before the law.
“This moment presents us with an opportunity, a chance to begin again, to reaffirm the judiciary’s independence, to rebuild its reputation, and to restore the people’s faith in the rule of law,” he said.
The President reiterated his commitment to judicial reforms under the Ghana Reset Agenda, including digitalising court processes, improving infrastructure, expanding legal aid, strengthening ethics, and modernising training for judicial officers.
He also emphasised the need to shield the judiciary from undue influence.
“We must protect our courts from political interference, economic manipulation, and public intimidation,” President Mahama warned. “An independent judiciary is not a threat to government. It is a partner in nation building.”
He said the judiciary must be alert to the realities of ordinary people and not become distant from the struggles of low-income citizens, women, children, and the marginalised.
“Access to justice must not depend on status or wealth. It must not be the privilege of a few, but it must be the right of all citizens,” he added.
President Mahama concluded by urging the justices to let their conscience and the Constitution guide their work, and to remember that they are stewards of public trust.
“Let justice reign,” he said. “The people of Ghana believe in you, the nation stands with you, and history will be your judge on how fairly you have dispensed justice and on the firmness of your resolve.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
