President Mahama swears in 7 new Supreme Court Justices

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn into office seven newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court, describing the judiciary as a crucial partner in national development rather than a threat to government. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The new Justices, Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Senyo Dzamefe, Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, Philip Bright Mensah, Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, and Hafisata Amaleboba, were appointed following parliamentary approval and vetting, in accordance with Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution. Several of them are experienced jurists promoted from the Court of Appeal.

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama reiterated the importance of judicial independence, stressing that the courts must be free from external influence.

“An independent judiciary is not a threat to government. It is a partner in development,” the President said. “We must protect our courts from political interference, economic manipulation, and public intimidation.”

He emphasised that the newly appointed justices are expected to be guided not by public pressure or personal biases but by a commitment to constitutional principles and impartial justice.

“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,” President Mahama stated.

The President urged the new justices to honour their oath of office by upholding the rule of law, promoting fairness, and acting with integrity. Their appointments, he noted, would strengthen the court’s capacity to deliver justice efficiently and uphold Ghana’s democratic values.

The Supreme Court, which under the Constitution must include the Chief Justice and not fewer than nine other justices, plays a central role in interpreting the Constitution and acts as the final court of appeal.

The addition of the seven new judges is expected to improve the court’s ability to manage an expanding docket, including cases involving constitutional interpretation, high-stakes electoral disputes, and complex civil and criminal appeals.