Mahama urges judges to uphold impartiality in all cases including politically sensitive ones

President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting judicial independence, stressing that it is essential to safeguarding the rights of citizens. Addressing the newly sworn-in Supreme Court Justices, President Mahama said judicial independence is not a privilege for judges but a protection that ensures citizens receive fair treatment before the courts. “As President, I remain fully committed to judicial independence,” he said.

“Judicial independence is not a privilege granted to judges for their personal benefit. It is a protection that is afforded to citizens so that their rights may be determined fairly, even when the issues before the courts are difficult, unpopular, or politically sensitive.” He, however, stressed that judicial independence must be accompanied by accountability, discipline and fidelity to the judicial oath. President Mahama said public confidence in the judiciary depends not only on the soundness of court decisions but also on the conduct of judges, the accessibility of the courts and the timely delivery of justice.

“Justice delayed continues to impose immense hardship on our ordinary citizens,” he said. He warned that prolonged cases, avoidable adjournments and delays in delivering judgments weaken public confidence and can amount to a denial of justice. The President therefore urged the judiciary to pursue reforms that improve efficiency, embrace appropriate technology and make justice more accessible to all Ghanaians, regardless of their income, status or geographical location.

He also called on the Supreme Court to communicate its reasoning with “extreme clarity”, saying clear and well-reasoned judgments would strengthen the law and promote public respect and trust in the judiciary. President John Dramani Mahama has urged judges to remain independent and impartial in handling cases, particularly those involving difficult, unpopular or politically sensitive issues. He said judicial independence was essential to protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that every case brought before the courts was determined strictly according to the law.

President Mahama made the call during the swearing-in of three newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court — Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr. He said the authority of the Supreme Court, as Ghana’s final judicial authority, was rooted in the confidence and trust of the people rather than political power or force. He said that confidence depended on the assurance that every matter brought before the court would be determined independently, impartially and strictly according to the law.

Integrity and courage President Mahama said judges required more than legal knowledge to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities. He said they must demonstrate sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a deep commitment to justice. He urged the judges to protect constitutional rights, uphold the separation of powers and ensure that no individual or institution was placed above the law.