President Akufo-Addo has charged sixteen newly appointed justices of the Court of Appeal to as a matter of priority, help clear the backlog of cases that are pending in the country’s courts which are leading to the delay in justice delivery.
As fresh justices of the Court of Appeal, President Akufo-Addo said they will be at the forefront of the efforts aimed at reforming and modernizing the country’s judicial system to achieve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of justice in Ghana.
Addressing the 16 newly sworn-in justices of the Court of Appeal and their families at the banquet hall of the Jubilee House on Tuesday, July 23 2024 after administering three oaths, (Secrecy, Allegiance, and Office) to them, President Akufo-Addo said despite the enormous work that has been done, the judicial system still needs a lot more reforms.
“As justices of the Court of Appeal, you will be at the forefront of those efforts and your contributions will be pivotal in shaping the future of our judiciary and of our society. One of the key challenges we face is the need to address the backlog of cases that continue to burden our courts. Justice delayed as you know, is justices denied,” Akufo-Addo remarked.
“It is imperative that we find innovative solutions to expedite the resolution of cases and ensure that justice is delivered in a timely manner. This will require not only efficient case management but also the adoption of new technologies and practices that can streamline our judicial processes,” the President further remarked.
Continues self-improvement
In his statement, President Akufo-Addo admonished the new judges and existing justices of the country’s superior courts of judicature to make it a point to improve themselves to stay up-to-date with new trends and best practices in the legal profession.
“Education and continued self-development are equally paramount [just like the independence of the judiciary is]. The legal landscape is constantly evolving and it is essential that judges remain abreast with new developments and best practices,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“I urge you to engage in ongoing education and training, participate in judicial conferences and workshops, and seek other opportunities for professional growth. By doing so, you will be better equipped to handle the complex and dynamic nature of your work,” the President added.
Justice to all manner of persons
Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah on his behalf and the behalf of the 15 other newly sworn-in Court of Appeal judges registered their appreciation to President Akufo-Addo, the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, the Judicial Council, and to Parliament for the confidence reposed in them.
He assured the president that together with his colleagues, they will endeavour to carry out their mandate by upholding the rule of law to ensure that “justice, equity, and fair play are administered and done to all manner of persons.”
“As we told our oath of office, we stated so and we shall do everything within our powers to fulfill same. We shall do our best not to disappoint Ghanaians and do our work faithfully and diligently,” Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah pledged on behalf of himself and his colleague justices of the Court of Appeal.
The new justices
The sixteen judges appointed to the Court of Appeal are Justices Charles Gyamfi Danquah, Gifty Dekyem, Kofi Akrowiah, Richard Mac Koggyapwah, Kwasi Boakye, Alexander Osei Tutu, France Obiri, Lydia Osei Marfo, Aboagye Tandoh, Agyeman Gyasi Jawhary, Yaa Onyameye Gyakobo, Francis Koffie, Charles William Leopold Bartels Zwennes, Barima yaw Kodie Oppong, David Kwabena Adade Boafo, and Dr Poku Adusei.