Chief Justice swears-in six new Judges

Accra, July 4, GNA - The Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Georgina T. Wood, on Monday sworn into office six new judges at the Supreme Court in Accra. They were made up of one High Court Judge and five Circuit Court Judges.

Mrs Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah is the High Court Judge and the Circuit Court Judges are; Ms Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, Ms Eva Bannerman-Williams, Ms Janet Anima Maafo, Mrs Rita Agyemang-Budu and Mr Emmanuel Bart-Plange Brew.

They were appointed following their success in written examination, interview and assessment by an independent body that assessed their judgments delivered.

Chief Justice Mrs Justice Wood who administered the Oaths of Secrecy, Allegiance and the Judicial Oath, told them that they were not exempted fro= m criticisms and their judicial independence did not mean they could behave i= n any manner suitable to them. She urged them to be completely independent of public opinion, the media, pressure groups and vested interests of any kind. Mrs Justice Wood admonished them to endeavour at all times in their decision making to be free from any influence extraneous to the cases befor= e them and be independent of anything that would sway them. She tasked them to handle constructive criticisms graciously, in good faith and utilise them by putting right what was perceived as wrong in orde= r to build a strong judiciary. Pledging the Judiciary's support to the judges, Mrs Justice Wood urg= ed them to adhere to their professional ethics and judicial oaths since that was their contribution to fight against the rule of oppressors. Mrs Justice Wood recounted the various attacks on the judiciary noting that it did not augur well for the country's democracy.

"Ill motivated attacks dressed no doubt in intemperate or vituperativ= e language and laced with doses of misinformation, sometimes plain falsehood, intimidation and threats on persons who have decided to place their lives and service at the disposal of their countrymen to the best of their abilit= y and conscience, does not augur well for our fledgling democracy," she add= ed. Mrs Justice Wood said the attacks and indignities heaped on the judiciary and acts which were aimed at denigrating and undermining the judiciary were wrongs perpetrated against other branches of government structure. She said: 93He who threatens judicial independence destroys not merel= y the judiciary, but the rule of law, and the smooth functioning and growth o= f the economy."

The Chief Justice was of the view that the dignity and stability of government with respect to the three arms of government and the morals of the society at large and its fortunes depended on an upright, honest, robus= t and independent judiciary. Mrs Justice Wood announced that Cabinet had approved a credit agreemen= t between the Government and SSNIT to construct a 34 room state-of-the-art court complex in Accra and was waiting for Parliamentary approval. On the service conditions, she said the judiciary was working hard to ensure an improvement. "The Judicial Council and I pledged to you our total support as you courageously, conscientiously and to the best of your abilities carry out your onerous responsibility." "The bench mark by which your performance will be measured is throug= h the many qualitative and timely judgments that you will deliver," the Chi= ef Justice told the Judges. Mr Ebo Barton-Odro, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, observed that the Bibles offered to the newly sworn-in judges meant that their work as judges had been delegated by God. He urged them to dispense justice without fear or favour saying, 93th= e sky would be your limit."

Mr Frank Beecham, President of Ghana Bar Association, pledged the bar= 's unflinching support in their work. Mrs Justice Bernasko-Essah, on behalf of the judges, said they would endeavour to realise the faith and confidence reposed in them. "We will live pure, right, speak the truth and ensure that the court= s remained focused on the core principles which we have pledged to make it a strong institution." In attendance were Dr Benjamin Kumbour, Minister for the Interior, members of the bench and relatives.