Judges must live above suspicion – President

Judges must lead lives that are above board and devoid of suspicion. President Kufuor who made the call regretted that the public perceived the judiciary as corrupt. He said the Judiciary should help to build the stability of the country’s infant democracy.

President Kufuor was speaking at the swearing in of Justice George Kinglsey Acquah as the new Chief Justice at the Castle,

Osu in Accra. He said for some time now the Judiciary has come under great suspicion and recalled that he once heard Justice

Acquah defending the integrity of the Judiciary in a radio discussion.

Mr Acquah, 61, has been on the Bench since 1989. He became a Supreme Court Judge in 1995. Before his appointment as Chief Justice, Justice Acquah served as chairman of a number of committees of the Judicial Service and the Judicial Council.

These include the Budget Committee of the Judicial Service, Judicial Service Reform and Automation Committee, Board of

Trustees of the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education and Disciplinary Committee of the Judicial Council.

Parliament on Thursday approved by consensus, the appointment of Justice Acquah, as the Chief Justice of Ghana. The President nominated Justice Acquah for the position on June 19, following the voluntary retirement of the incumbent, Mr Justice E.K. Wiredu due to health reasons.

President Kufuor said the first call on the Chief Justice is how to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the state above all things. He said when the Chief Justice is able to do that then the cornerstone of the evolution of the state is protected and assured.

President Kufuor told the Chief Justice to ensure that all judges are well served and equally too. He advised him to also eschew parochialism and be even handed in the empanelling of judges on the Supreme Court.

While congratulating the Chief Justice, President Kufuor reminded him that there are difficult times ahead. In his acceptance speech, Mr Acquah said his vision in the face of the present unfavourable public perception of the service, is to work closely with colleagues, the Judicial Council and other committees to continue other projects aimed at repositioning the judiciary in such a way as to redeem its sinking image and integrity.

He said such efforts should also help promote the rule of law, transparency, speedy administration of justice, and uphold fundamental human rights and thereby promote good governance to encourage free enterprise, attract private investors and instil confidence in the public.

Justice Acquah expressed his gratitude to the President for nominating him. He also thanked Parliament and Council of

State for their fruitful support and endorsement and gave the assurance that he will not disappoint them.