President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly appointed Supreme Court justices to uphold the Constitution and deliver justice without fear or favour, insisting that Ghana needs judicial officers who are immune to popularity or pressure.
Addressing the swearing-in ceremony of seven new Supreme Court justices on Thursday, July 3, President Mahama emphasised that public trust in the judiciary depends on its impartiality, independence, and adherence to constitutional principles.
“We need justices who are not swayed by popularity or pressure, but are anchored in the Constitution and driven by a genuine desire to uphold justice without fear or favour,” he said.
President Mahama reminded the justices that their elevation to the apex court comes with immense public trust and responsibility.
“This robe is not simply a mark of office. It is a public trust. It is a symbol of service, humility, and accountability,” he said. “Wear it with wisdom. 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 also underscored the need for a judiciary that is not just technically competent but morally attuned to the needs of ordinary citizens.
“You are expected to serve not as arbiters of technicalities, but as stewards of justice and conscience,” the President stated. “Let your legacy be measured in volumes of law reports, the lives you touched, the precedents you set, and the public trust that you preserved.”
The President linked the swearing-in to his broader governance vision, the “Ghana Reset Agenda”, describing it as a national renewal rooted in justice, equity, transparency, and institutional reform.
“A reformed and revitalised Ghana must rest on the firm foundation of a credible, independent, and efficient justice system,” he said. “In our Ghana We Want vision, the judiciary is not a passive bystander in nation building. It is an active guarantor of rights, an enabler of development, and a check on the excesses of power.”
Mahama pledged his government’s commitment to enhancing the justice system through reforms such as digitalisation of court processes, improved infrastructure, expanded legal aid, and greater ethical training for judicial officers.
He also announced that the H. Chrissy Pempey Constitutional Review Committee is expected to present its report in August with recommendations to further strengthen the judiciary.
Reiterating the value of judicial independence, President Mahama declared: “We must protect our courts from political interference, economic manipulation, and public intimidation. An independent judiciary is not a threat to government. It is a partner in nation building.”
He concluded by urging the justices to stay true to their oaths and the Constitution, noting that the people of Ghana look to them for fairness, leadership, and integrity.
“Let your conscience be your compass, let the Constitution be your guide, and let the people of Ghana be a constant reminder to you of the power and purpose of the law,” he said. “Let justice reign.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
