President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in 21 new Justices of the Court of Appeal, urging them to deliver judgments that uphold justice, inspire public confidence, and demonstrate fidelity to the Constitution—not judgments aimed at silencing criticism.
“Let your judgments inspire confidence in our people,” President Mahama said during the ceremony at Jubilee House.
“Let Ghanaians know that while they may debate outcomes, they can never question your integrity, impartiality, or commitment to the Constitution.”
A Call to Resist Cynicism
The President warned the new justices against the rise of public cynicism, which he described as the dangerous belief that “the courts no longer serve the people, but only the powerful.”
“Our courts must prove, through both words and actions, that justice is not for sale—neither to wealth, status, nor political convenience,” he emphasized.
A Diverse Bench
The 21 new appointments include 20 High Court judges and one private legal practitioner, all of whom have met the necessary requirements.
President Mahama expressed pride in the gender representation, highlighting that nine of the new appointees are women, surpassing the 30% female representation benchmark set by the Affirmative Action Law.
“This is progress worth celebrating,” he noted.
List of Newly Sworn-In Justices:
- Justice Justin Kofi Dorgu
- Justice Daniel Mensah (also the Dormaahene)
- Justice George Boadi
- Justice Ayitey Armah-Tetteh
- Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe
- Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu
- Justice Douglas Seidu
- Justice Ali Baba Abature
- Justice Mariama Samo
- Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku
- Justice Mary Maame Akua Yanzu
- Justice Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed
- Justice John Bosco Nabarese
- Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah
- Justice Dr Richmond Osei Hwere
- Justice Francis Apongabuno Achibonga
- Justice Charity Akosua Asem
- Justice Enyonam Adinyira
- Justice Sheila Mintah
- Justice Franklina Gesila Adanu
- Justice Charles Adjei Wilson
A People’s Court
President Mahama described the Court of Appeal as the “people’s court,” noting that for many Ghanaians, it is the final stop in their pursuit of justice.
“You hold the power to heal, to restore faith in the system, and to help guide this nation toward fairness,” he told the judges.
Justice and National Development
The President linked justice delivery to national development, stating that the renewal of the court system is a key pillar in his government’s 24-hour economic transformation agenda.
He reminded the new justices that their roles go beyond interpreting the law—they are also custodians of public hope.
“When citizens enter the courtroom, they’re not just looking for legal verdicts—they’re searching for hope. Hope that the law protects them. Hope that their rights matter. Hope that their voices will be heard.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by:
- Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
- Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
- Chief of Staff Julius Debrah
- Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal
- Ministers of State, senior government officials
- NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
- Family members and friends of the appointees
