The Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Georgina Wood, on Friday reminded judges of their duty to ensure that the rule of law and the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution serve to protect the people against injustice, social and political unrest. She said a trusted well-functioning justice delivery system is the bedrock for a strong, dynamic, free and prosperous democratic society. Mrs Justice Wood was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of three new Circuit Court judges and 22 Career Magistrates in Accra. Ms Justice Sophia Akuffo, a Supreme Court judge, administered the Oath of Allegiance, Judicial oath and the Oath of Secrecy to the new judges and magistrates. The new Circuit Court judges are Mr Emmanuel Kofi Sunu, Mr Kwaku Osei and Mr Yaw Attah Sampong. The new Magistrates are Solomon Kwasi Alomatu, Agbenya Ernest Yao, Mensah Alfred, Amposah Alberta and Amposah Jacob. The others are Ayariga Salifu Bugri, Anondare Peter, Eshun Derrick Parden, Akoande Bright Ajosagi, Akusa-Am Augustine, Boamah Michael Gyamfi and Kpeglah Issah Iddrisu. The rest are Bitam Lari, Amedogbe Stella, Yamoah Godfred Owusu, Ofori George Davies Kwasi, Akosa Agyare Amoapong Yaw, Osei Juliet, Amedzi Adzo Beatrice, Apalayine A. Comfort and Akyiano Naomi. Mrs Justice Wood reminded the judges of the important constitutional role they have to play in the governance of the nation. She said the oaths taken by the judges and magistrates should remind them of their loyalty to the state and be bound by legality to collaborate with agencies of state to build a strong and prosperous nation. The Chief Justice said the new judges and magistrates had a responsibility to the people by working very hard to earn their trust, respect and confidence. "I am confident that your appointment will help strengthen the rule of law and good governance in Ghana. "I trust that you will not exchange the valued principles and ideals of justice for power drunkenness, arrogance, corruption, impunity or shameless display of self-aggrandizement". Mrs Justice Wood also reminded the new judges and magistrates that their work and conduct on the bench was going to be closely monitored and elevation to the next level on the bench would be based purely on merit, hard work and industry. "The time honoured principles of fairness, integrity, efficiency and honour in the discharge of your duties will remain the critical yardstick by which your worth will be measured," she added. Ms Ama Quagraine, who represented Mr Martin Amidu, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, commended the new judges and magistrates on their appointment. She called for the enforcement of all the fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. She urged judges and magistrates to be forthright and courageous in their judgments to ensure fairness. Mr Justice Amenuvor, who represented the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), urged the new judges and magistrates to work to ensure speedy delivery of justice. He said both the new judges and magistrates had come at a time when there was so much pressure on the judiciary to ensure speedy adjudication of cases and much would be expected from them. He said the new judges and magistrates must work diligently and deliver justice according to their conscience. Source: GNA