President John Dramani Mahama has urged newly sworn-in Court of Appeal justices to deliver rulings that strengthen public trust in the judiciary rather than silencing criticism.

Speaking at the swearing-in of 21 High Court judges as justices of the Court of Appeal held at the Presidency, President Mahama reminded them of the weight of their new responsibility.

“The Court of Appeal is the People’s Court of renewal. It is here that errors are corrected, injustices are reversed, and the principles reaffirmed that no wrong is beyond remedy,” he said.

He noted that, for many Ghanaians, the Court of Appeal is the last hope for justice when all other options have been exhausted.

“That is why the authority you assume today is not only legal but profoundly moral. You hold in your hands the power to heal wounds, to restore confidence, and to guide our nation towards fairness,” he added.

President Mahama acknowledged recent criticisms directed at the judiciary but described them as a sign of faith rather than despair.

“In recent times, our courts have not escaped criticism. Citizens have openly and sometimes harshly questioned judicial decisions. But I want to say clearly, criticisms of judgment is not the end of hope. It is the evidence of hope. It shows that Ghanaians still believe in the courts, that justice still matters, and that verdicts have meaning in their lives,” he stated.

He cautioned against cynicism, warning that the judiciary must not be perceived as serving only the powerful.

“What we must guard against is cynicism, the corrosive belief that the courts no longer serve the people but only the powerful in society. To rebuild trust, our courts must demonstrate in word and deed that justice is not compromised by status, wealth, or political convenience,” he cautioned.

The President concluded with a charge to the justices: “So to you, the justices, I say, let your judgments not silence criticism but inspire confidence in our people. Let your judgements reassure Ghanaians that while we may debate outcomes, we can never doubt your integrity, your impartiality, and your fidelity to the national constitution.”

Among those sworn in were Justice Daniel Mensah, who also serves as Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, and Mr. Justice Senyo Amedahe, a High Court Judge in Koforidua.

Other newly appointed judges include Justice Justin Dorgu, Justice George Boadi, Justice Ayitey Armah-Tetteh, Justice Olivia Boeng Owusu, Justice Douglas Seidu, Justice Ali Baba Bature, Justice Mariama Samo, Justice Abena Adzin Doku, Justice Mary Maame Akua Yanzu, and Justice Jennifer Anne Myers Ahmed.

The rest are Justice John Bosco Nabarese, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, Justice Richmond Osei Hwere, Justice Apangano Achibonga, Justice Charity Akosua Asem, Justice Enyonam Adinyira, Justice Shiela Minta, Justice Bridget Kafui Antoni,o and Justice Franklina Gesila Adanu.