Mahama Swears in Three New Supreme Court Justices
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in three new Justices of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
The newly appointed justices are Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokouan Bernasko-Essah and Justice Edward Amoako Asante, both former judges of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Anthony Forson Jnr, a private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Banquet Hall of the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
A Call to Duty
Addressing the new justices, President Mahama stressed the importance of public confidence in the judiciary, noting that the authority of the courts is founded not on political power or force, but on the trust of the people.
He expressed confidence that cases brought before the Supreme Court would be determined independently, impartially and in accordance with the law.
President Mahama said Supreme Court judges must possess more than legal expertise, highlighting the need for sound judgment, integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a strong commitment to justice.
He further reminded the justices that the oath they had taken was a serious responsibility, requiring them to administer justice without fear, favour, affection or ill will, while upholding and defending the Constitution.
Justice Bernasko-Essah
President Mahama said Justice Bernasko-Essah brings significant judicial experience and a strong understanding of the practical administration of justice to the Supreme Court.
Her previous service on the Court of Appeal, he noted, had equipped her to handle complex legal issues, review decisions from lower courts and contribute to the development of Ghana’s jurisprudence.
Justice Bernasko-Essah was first nominated to the Supreme Court in 2024 by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, although the process was not completed before the change of government.
President Mahama said her elevation reflects the competence, discipline and dedication she has demonstrated throughout her judicial career.
Justice Amoako Asante
Justice Edward Amoako Asante, a former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, was recognised for his extensive judicial and regional legal experience.
President Mahama noted that his work at the regional court exposed him to issues involving regional integration, treaty obligations, human rights and the relationship between domestic and international law.
He expressed confidence that Justice Asante’s understanding of both Ghanaian and regional legal frameworks would enrich deliberations at the Supreme Court.
Justice Forson Jnr
Justice Anthony Forson Jnr joins the Supreme Court after a career in private legal practice.
President Mahama said his transition from the Bar to the Bench represents an important addition to the court, while reminding him that the role of a judge requires rising above competing interests to determine cases solely on the basis of the law, evidence and justice.
The President expressed confidence that the diverse professional and judicial experiences of the three new justices would strengthen the Supreme Court and contribute to the continued development of Ghanaian law.
