President Akufo-Addo supports Chief Justice’s proposal to appoint additional Supreme Court judges.

In a significant development for Ghana’s judiciary, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed strong support for the Chief Justice’s proposal to appoint additional Supreme Court judges. This initiative, which has stirred some debate, aims to boost the Judiciary’s capacity to manage the growing number of cases. Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of a robust and functional Supreme Court to ensure the continuous delivery of justice in Ghana.

He began his address by reminding legal professionals of their vital role in shaping public understanding of the justice system. He emphasized that the Bar has a responsibility to provide accurate legal information to the public, especially in a society where misinformation can spread rapidly. “It is irresponsible,” he remarked, “for Bar officials to suggest that the use of legal terms such as ‘perverse,’ as employed by the Attorney-General to describe a court ruling, is somehow improper.” He clarified that such language is standard in legal practice, used to describe decisions made in error.

President Akufo-Addo also called on legal professionals to help the public grasp complex legal issues, ensuring trust in the judicial system remains intact. He urged the Bar to lead public education on judicial appointments and reforms, particularly as these processes evolve.

One key point in the President’s speech was a comparison between Ghana’s judicial system and that of the United States. He noted that some critics of the Chief Justice’s proposal have drawn flawed parallels with the U.S. system. “Ghana’s judiciary operates with distinct mechanisms, especially regarding the appointment and tenure of judges,” Akufo-Addo explained.

Unlike the U.S., where Supreme Court judges are appointed for life, Ghana’s system imposes term limits, allowing the judiciary to adapt and respond to the nation’s changing needs. The President pointed out that even in the U.S., judicial reform is under discussion. He referenced President Joe Biden’s proposals to reform the U.S. Supreme Court, underscoring that judicial appointments and reforms are global concerns.

Akufo-Addo emphasized that the Chief Justice’s proposal to appoint more judges is a pragmatic solution to address the increasing workload of the Supreme Court, not an attempt at “court packing.” He noted that the growing backlog of cases is a pressing issue. Citing data from the 2022/2023 legal year, he highlighted that by June 2023, the Court had 595 unresolved cases, up from 414 cases in July 2022.

Addressing this backlog, according to the President, is of national importance. He urged Ghanaians to assess the proposal on its merits, free from misconceptions about political motives.

Reflecting on his role in shaping Ghana’s judiciary, Akufo-Addo stated, “By sheer coincidence of history, I have had the privilege of appointing three Chief Justices and 18 other Supreme Court judges.” He emphasized that his appointments were made to strengthen the judiciary, not for political gain. If court packing had been his goal, he added, it would have already been achieved.

Akufo-Addo also shared his experience as Attorney-General under President John Agyekum Kufuor, recalling his role in appointing Justices Date Bah, Modibo Ocran, and A.P. Kludze, who left lasting impacts on Ghana’s legal landscape.

In his message to the Ghana Bar Association, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the importance of a strong, independent judiciary capable of meeting the public’s demands. The Chief Justice’s proposal to appoint more Supreme Court judges, he argued, is crucial for maintaining the judiciary’s integrity and efficiency. His endorsement of the proposal reflects his commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s judiciary remains a pillar of justice for all citizens.

As the country moves forward, the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law will be essential, and with the support of the Bar, the public can trust that the justice system will continue to serve their needs effectively and impartially.