President John Mahama has sworn in 37 new Justices of the High Court, charging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in the delivery of justice.
The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House on Thursday, October 23, saw the judges take the Oath of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath, and the Oath of Secrecy before receiving their instruments of appointment from the President.
In his address, President Mahama described the occasion as more than a formal appointment but a reaffirmation of Ghana’s faith in the rule of law and the principle that justice remains the cornerstone of democracy.
“This ceremony represents more than an appointment. It is a renewal of our faith in the enduring principle that justice is the fairness pillar of our democracy and that Ghana shall always be governed by law, never by the whims of capricious power,” he said.
President Mahama noted that the High Court serves as the “people’s court,” where the law most directly touches the daily lives of citizens.
He urged the judges to remain incorruptible and to ensure their judgments are guided only by the law and evidence presented.
Be incorruptible, not only in fact, but also in perception. Let every citizen who appears before you believe that their fate rests solely on the evidence and the law, never on influence or connections,” he cautioned.
The President further stated the link between justice and development, stressing that good governance, investor confidence, and social stability all depend on a credible and efficient judiciary.
“Justice and development are not separate ideals; they are inseparable twins of the same mother. A nation that invests in infrastructure but neglects the rule of law builds its progress on shifting sands,” he said.
The newly sworn-in judges are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the judiciary’s contribution to national stability, fairness, and trust in Ghana’s justice system.