President Akufo-Addo has called on judges of the superior courts to exhibit honesty, integrity and sound knowledge of the law in the discharge of their duties, warning the country will no longer tolerate any act of corruption involving judges.

A total of 34 High Court judges and 11 Appeals Court judges were sworn in by the president, based on recommendations from the Judicial Council. Out of the 45 justices, 33 were females and 18 males.

Addressing the judges, President Akufo-Addo describes as unacceptable the situation where some judges give orders without reason and rulings not based on sound application of the law.

“The 45 justices, 34 in the High Court and 11 in the Court of Appeal, whom I swore into office a few minutes ago upon the advice of the Judicial Council have been considered fit and qualified for the position of justices. They are deemed to have the independence of mind, and impartial spirit to hold these high offices.

“Ghanaians over the past 26years have shown a determination to build and guard a nation of accountable democratic governance founded on the rule of law. The constitution affirms the final judicial power of the state is vested solely in the judiciary and not in any other agency or organ of the state. 

“To our new justices of the High Court and the Appeals Court, it is important to bear in mind that the growth of our nation demands that we have a judiciary that commands the respect of the people by the nature of its delivery of justice as well as by the comportment of the judges.”

Speaking on behalf of the Appeals Court, Justice Anthony Oppong said the judiciary is very much aware of the challenges facing the country and will conduct itself in a fair and transparent manner.

“We do acknowledge the weighty responsibility that has been placed on us by virtue of this appointment. We assure your Excellency in particular and the good people of this country in general that we will not and dare not disappoint.

“We assure you further that we shall execute with knowledge, with wisdom, and with understanding and this will be done without fear or favour or ill-will and without affection.

“We are confident that we will live up to expectation and make the judiciary and Ghana proud. Our confidence stems from the fact that the Almighty God is on our side and he is with us,” he concluded.

High court judge, Justice Aboagye Tandon who also spoke said the judges have been trained to ensure strict application of the law.

“The vigorous nature of the process we went through gives us a care indication of the enormity of the task ahead of us. I wish to express my gratitude, for and on half of the justices of the high court and assure you that we will be guided by the advice given to us in your speech.