By Bright Ntramah
President Nana Akufo-Addo has justified the appointment of more judges to the courts of Appeal, citing the challenge of an overburdened court system and increasing backlog of cases.
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.President Akufo-Addo called for 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 stream our judicial processes. Speaking at the Jubilee House in Accra on the occasion of the swearing-in of 16 new justices of the Court of Appeal, President Akufo-Addo noted that these new Justices of Appeal are being appointed to arm the judiciary with the necessary tools to expedite the delivery of justice across the nation.
The 16 justices, 12 men and four women, swore an oaths of office, secrecy and allegiance. They were appointed upon the advice of the Judicial Council. They are each eminently fit and qualified for the position of a justice of the Court of Appeal. Each has the impartiality of mind and independence of spirit to hold this high office.
President Akufo-Addo said If the court does its work well, most appeals should end there without the issues having to travel to the Supreme Court. He acknowledged the task is not an easy one.
“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 stated. He said the decisions made by the Justices will have an impact not only on the parties before them but also on the broader society. President Akufo-Addo urged Justices to approach their duties with humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. He reminded them that the power they wield as a judge is not for personal gain or aggrandizement, but for service to the Ghanaian people.
President Akufo-Addo encouraged the judges 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.
Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah on behalf of his colleague Court of Appeal judges expressed his appreciation to President Akufo-Addo 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.