Appointment of more Supreme Court judges necessary, well-considered action – Akufo-Addo

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has defended the request for the appointment of additional Supreme Court judges, describing it as a necessary and well-considered move aimed at strengthening the judiciary.

The Cheif Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, in July 2024, formally made a request to President Akufo-Addo to nominate five judges to the Supreme Court of Ghana, aiming to strengthen the judiciary with highly qualified and experienced legal minds.

Her request came under public criticism, particularly from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who described the move as unlawful.

However, speaking at the 2024 general annual meeting of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), held in Kumasi, the president emphasised the importance of getting more judges in the apex court, the Supreme Court, to handle the increasing demands on the courts, to ensure the efficient delivery of justice.

“Let me stress that the Ghanaian judiciary, unlike its American counterpart, with which some seek to draw comparison, operates with distinct mechanisms, particularly in the appointment and the tenure of judges. For instance, while US Supreme Court judges are appointed for life, Ghana’s system prescribes timeliness to judicial appointments.”

“Ensuring that our judiciary remains adaptive and attuned to the current needs of our nation. To appoint additional judges to the Supreme Court, which some have criticised, was a necessary and well-considered action to maintain the strength and efficiency of the judiciary,” he stated.

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