Justice Wiredu 22nd Chief Justice of Ghana

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday swore Mr Justice Edward Kwame Wiredu into office as the 22nd Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana at the Castle, Osu.

The 67-year-old jurist would hold the position for the next three years when he attains the mandatory retirement age of 70 years. He swore the judicial oath, the oath of allegiance and was presented with the instrument of appointment by President Kufuor.

President Kufuor said it is the responsibility of the new Chief Justice to cleanse the image of the judiciary, which had come under suspicion and criticism on allegations of corruption.

"You should ensure the judiciary and its administration are managed without cause for suspicion by the people," the President told the new CJ.

President Kufuor asked him to ensure that the judiciary dispense justice without fear or favour and do justice to all manner of people.

He reminded the judiciary of its special attributes to understand the nature of politics in order that with their interpretation of the law, the people would understand and accept their verdicts in a practical and functional manner that would not endanger the security of the country.

Mr Justice Wiredu pledged to make the judiciary a vibrant one with efficiency, effectiveness, probity and transparency in its administration and make it truly independent.

"I would not let the country down but ensure a vibrant judiciary of which everyone would be proud and with this foundation Ghanaians would be proud of me as one of the best Chief Justices," he added.

Earlier in the day, Members of Parliament unanimously endorsed his nomination as Chief Justice of Ghana.

After his two and half hours screening by the Appointments Committee of the House on Wednesday, he was described as "principled and well-seasoned for the job".

Mr Freddy Wosemewu Blay, Chairman of the Committee, told the house that his colleagues found in Mr Wiredu an excellent material and "has the requisite qualification and capability to effectively discharge his duties as Chief Justice."

In a report, he said: "Mr Justice Wiredu convinced the committee that he is his own man, with strong religious convictions, resilient, ready and prepared to do justice to all, even if it meant the sky falling on him."

He said Mr Justice Wiredu, having been a justice of the superior court for 33 years was sober, knowledgeable and experienced enough to hold the office of the Chief Justice of Ghana.

Alhaji Mohamed Mumuni, NDC-Kumbumgu, lauded Mr Justice Wiredu for sticking to his beliefs and defending them. "We do not easily come across such men of courage and conviction in a country where many seem to follow whatever government does or approves of. He has been consistent and principled."

Mr Cletus Avoka, NDC-Bawku West, said the massive support for the nominee was a test case for the house and accused members of the majority, including Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, Attorney-General of playing double standards.

The member said when they were in the majority they fought against the elevation of certain Judges of the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court merely on grounds of their legal philosophies especially, their endorsement of the criminal Libel Law. Mr Justice Wiredu shares that belief.

Nana Akufo-Addo said he made that statement at a time when the criminal libel law was operational, adding that the nominee's views on the law was not very relevant now that the law has been repealed.

"I know that Mr Justice Wiredu will be at the measure of his task," he added. Mr Justice Wiredu has to be sworn in by the President before he assumes office.