The President expressed his pride at the number of women who made the cut.  “I am quite proud of this batch of Appeal Court Justices, and the reason is that out of 20, we have nine women” he said.

 
                                                                                                                President Mahama swearing in Justices of the Court of Appeal

He encouraged the Justices to work hard, noting, that citizens still had hope in the Judiciary, in spite of their criticisms. Mr. Mahama further advised the Judiciary to do away with any negative practices that might erode this belief.

“What we must guard against is cynicism - the corrosive belief that courts no longer serve the people but only the powerful in society”, he cautioned.

President Mahama advised the Justices to help rebuild trust in the Judiciary not only by words but deeds, “… our courts must demonstrate in word and deed that justice is not compromised by status, wealth or political convenience”, he stated.

 
                                                                                                                                  Judges and guests at the swearing-in, at the seat of government

The President announced that his government has plans to improve justice delivery through the creation of special divisions of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, to handle land disputes, commercial disputes and labour matters which have the tendency to drag on for years. He urged the newly sworn-in Justices to exhibit courage, integrity and humility in their work.

The representative of the newly sworn–in Justices of the Court of Appeal, Justice Justin Kofi Dorgu in his response expressed their profound gratitude to the President of Ghana, the Acting Chief Justice and the Judicial Council for the honour done them.

He pledged on behalf of his colleagues, to be diligent and fair in their work;

“We pledge to discharge our duty with integrity, diligence and fairness…” “We assure the people of Ghana, that we shall uphold independence of the Judiciary and work tirelessly to strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice”

 
                                                                               Prez. Mahama (seated middle), Vice Prez. (seated right) and Acting Chief Justice (seated left) in a
                                                                                          group photograph with newly sworn-in Justices and some government officials

Newly Sworn-in Justices of the Court of Appeal

 
                                                                                                           Acting CJ (in suit) and the newly sworn-in Court of Appeal Justices

The newly sworn-in Justices of the Court of Appeal are made up of twenty (20) High Court Judges and One (1) Private Legal Practitioner.

1. His Lordship Justice Justin Kofi Dorgu
2. His Lordship Justice Daniel Mensah
3. His Lordship Justice George Buadi
4. Her Ladyship Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu
5. His Lordship Justice John Bosco Nabarese
6. Justice Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed
7. His Lordship Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe
8. His LordshipJ ustice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah
9. His Lordship Justice Dr. Richmond Osei-Hwere
10. His Lordship Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga
11. His Lordship Justice Ali Baba Abature
12. Her Ladyship Justice Abena Asuamah Oppong
13. Her Ladyship Justice Mariama Sammo
14. Her Ladyship Justice Mary Maame Ekua Yanzuh
15. His Lordship Justice Ayitey Armah-Tetteh
16. His Lordship Justice Charity Akosua Asem
17. Her Ladyship Justice Enyonam Adinyira
18. Her Ladyship Justice Sheila Minta
19. His Lordship Justice Douglas Seidu
20. His Lordship Justice Charles Adjei Wilson
21. Mrs. Franklina Gesila Adanu

GAN                                     END                            SO/RMG/JRA