The Deputy Chief of Staff at the Supreme Court of Ghana, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has emphasised the lasting importance of the judiciary, saying “you cannot permanently remove the need for justice in Ghana” as the country marks 150 years of its apex court.
She made the remarks at the official launch of the anniversary celebration, noting that the milestone should go beyond commemoration and serve as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to justice delivery.
Addressing dignitaries at the Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana, Legon, on April 16, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo traced the history of the Supreme Court to the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876. She explained that in the early years, final appeals from Ghana were heard outside the country, first by the West African Court of Appeal and later by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the United Kingdom.
She noted that the establishment of an indigenous Supreme Court brought justice closer to the people, describing it as a significant step in national self-determination. “It was a statement that Ghanaians have the right to determine their own affairs, including the most serious affairs of justice,” she said.
According to her, the judiciary has endured major political transitions—from colonial rule through independence in 1957 to the Fourth Republic—surviving periods of military rule during which it was abolished and later restored.
“This court has lived through the colonial era, independence, and multiple republics. It was abolished twice and returned twice. You cannot permanently remove the need for justice in Ghana,” she said.
Drawing on scholarly work by retired Justice Samuel Kofi Date-Bah, she observed that Supreme Court decisions have shaped not only legal doctrine but also Ghana’s broader governance culture. She added that the judiciary must continue to expand the boundaries of the law within the limits of rationality and good governance.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo also referenced landmark rulings, including Tuffuor v Attorney-General (1980), Sallah v Attorney-General (1970) and New Patriotic Party v Attorney-General (1993–94), noting that such cases underscore the court’s role as guardian of Ghana’s constitutional order.
The event formally launched the Supreme Court’s 150th anniversary celebration under the theme: “Supreme Court at 150: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Defining the Future.”
Chaired by Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong, the ceremony brought together members of the bench, the bar and international jurists. It also outlined a year-long programme of activities, including legal outreach initiatives, academic symposia, moot court competitions and a grand durbar.
The celebrations are expected to conclude in July 2026 with a formal dinner and a national thanksgiving service.
She also paid tribute to the 28 Chief Justices who have led the court since 1876, from Sir David Patrick Chalmers to the current Chief Justice, Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie, recognising their contributions to strengthening Ghana’s justice system.