President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that the Judiciary is the bedrock upon which the democracy of Ghana stands, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens.
Welcoming these new court of appeal judges, the president they should be reminded of the solemn duty that comes with judicial office—a duty that demands integrity, wisdom, and a steadfast devotion to justice.
“The decisions made in the Court of Appeal have far-reaching implications, and I am confident that these new Justices will uphold the highest standards of fairness and impartiality,” he said.
“In recent years, we have made significant strides in reforming and modernizing our judicial system. However, there is still much work to be done. With the support of my administration, we will continue to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of justice in Ghana.
“I urge the new Justices to approach their duties with humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility, ensuring that our Judiciary remains a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for our democracy. May God bless the new Justices, the Chief Justice, and all members of the Judiciary, and may God bless our homeland Ghana.”
He argued that the appointment of sixteen new Justices to the Court of Appeal is part of efforts to address the backlog of cases overwhelming Ghana’s judicial system.
This significant expansion is, he said, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary, ensuring timely justice delivery across the nation.
The newly appointed Justices include Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah, Justice Gifty Dekyem, and Justice Kofi Akrowiah, among others. Their appointments, made upon the advice of the Judicial Council, come at a critical time when the Court of Appeal faces the dual challenges of an overburdened docket and the recent retirement of several senior judges. Four Justices of Appeal – Justice Amma Gaisie, Justice Cecilia Sowah, Justice Victor Ofoe, and Justice Angelina Domakyaareh – have retired upon reaching the statutory age of retirement, with a fifth, Justice Alex Poku Acheampong, due to retire in October 2024.
The new locations for the permanent panels of the Court of Appeal include:
Sekondi: This panel will sit at the premises of the Sekondi High Court, catering to appeals from the Central and Western Regions. By decentralizing the court’s operations, the judiciary aims to streamline the appeal process for cases arising in these regions, reducing travel time and expenses for litigants and legal practitioners.
Kumasi: The new Court of Appeal Complex in Kumasi will serve as the base for appeals from the Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, and Ashanti Regions. This modern facility is equipped to handle a significant volume of cases, ensuring that justice is delivered promptly. Additionally, the government has constructed townhouses and a guesthouse in Kumasi to provide permanent residences for Justices of the Court of Appeal, ensuring they are readily available to hear cases.
Tamale: This panel will cater to appeals filed at the Registry in Tamale from the Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah, and Northern Regions. The cases will be heard through a virtual link in the Kumasi Court of Appeal, leveraging technology to bridge geographical distances and improve judicial efficiency.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that these appointments and the establishment of regional panels are essential to addressing the backlog of cases and improving the overall efficiency of the judiciary. “The significant expansion of the personnel of the Court of Appeal, occasioned by the appointment of these sixteen new Justices of Appeal, is a direct response to the challenge of an overburdened court system,” he stated.
The President also highlighted the importance of equipping the judiciary with the necessary tools to expedite the delivery of justice. This includes the adoption of new technologies such as the e-justice system, which aims to streamline judicial processes and enhance transparency. The decentralization initiative, coupled with the use of technology, is expected to significantly reduce delays in the judicial process, ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner.
The decentralization and expansion of the Court of Appeal reflect a broader strategy to make the judicial system more accessible and efficient, ultimately reinforcing public confidence in the rule of law. By addressing the backlog of cases and enhancing the capacity of the judiciary, the administration aims to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done promptly and fairly across all regions of Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the newly appointed Justices and their ability to contribute significantly to the advancement of Ghana’s judicial system. He urged them to approach their duties with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility, emphasizing that their decisions would have far-reaching implications for the lives of individuals and the development of the nation. The strategic expansion of the Court of Appeal marks a pivotal step towards a more efficient, transparent, and accessible judicial system in Ghana, he said.
