PRESIDENT NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO TO NAME NEW CHIEF JUSTICE
Story by: Samuel K. Owusu
On April 9th, 2021, it was reported that H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would be naming a New Chief Justice of Ghana to take over from the 14th Chief Justice, Justice Anim Yeboah, who has served for three years. This announcement has sparked significant interest and speculation about who the President will choose to fill this crucial position.
The experienced and affable Justice of the apex court of the land, Justice Anim Yeboah was sworn into office on the 7th of January, 2020. He succeeded Her Ladyship, Justice Sophia A. B. Akuffo, whose tenure ended on December 20, 2019, after serving as Chief Justice for two and a half years.
The new 15th Chief Justice will swear three Oaths; the Oath of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath and the Oath of Secrecy, and it will be administered by the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, and Justice Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie are the four individuals that have been put forward as potential candidates for the position of Chief Justice. Each of these justices brings unique qualifications and significant experiences to the table, making the decision of who to appoint a challenging one.
Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson
Justice Kulendi is a highly respected judge who has served on various courts in Ghana for over 20 years. He is known for his impartiality, dedication to justice, and commitment to upholding the rule of law. Justice Torkornoo is a respected appellate judge with experience in civil and criminal law. She has also served on various committees, including the Judicial Council, which oversees the administration of justice in Ghana. Justice Lovelace-Johnson is a highly respected judge who has served on various courts in Ghana for over 30 years. She has significant experience in both civil and criminal law and has been a champion of women's rights and gender equality. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is a respected judge with experience in criminal law and has served on various courts in Ghana for over 20 years.
In my opinion, Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi may have a strong chance of being appointed as Chief Justice. Justice Kulendi has had an impressive legal career, having served as a judge of the High Court for over a decade before being elevated to the Court of Appeal. He has also served as a lecturer and examiner at the Ghana School of Law, where he taught civil procedure, evidence, and legal advocacy.
The role of Chief Justice in Ghana is a crucial one, with the Chief Justice being responsible for the overall administration of justice in the country. The Chief Justice also presides over the Supreme Court and is responsible for ensuring that the judiciary remains independent and impartial. Therefore, it is essential that whoever is appointed as the new Chief Justice is highly qualified and capable of fulfilling these duties.
Ghana's justice system has made significant progress over the years, but there is still room for improvement. The country has faced challenges with corruption and inefficiency in the judiciary, and there have been concerns about the slow pace of justice delivery. However, the appointment of a new Chief Justice presents an opportunity to address these issues and strengthen the justice system.
One area that could benefit from improvement is the speed at which cases are heard and decided. Many Ghanaians have expressed frustration with the length of time it takes for cases to be resolved, with some cases taking years or even decades to reach a conclusion. This can have a detrimental impact on the lives of those involved in the cases, as well as on society as a whole. The new Chief Justice could take steps to address this issue, such as introducing new technologies to streamline court processes and increase efficiency.
Another area of concern is corruption within the justice system. Ghana has made strides in recent years in the fight against corruption, but there are still reports of corruption within the judiciary. The new Chief Justice could work to improve transparency and accountability within the justice system, as well as introducing measures to prevent and punish corruption.
In conclusion, the appointment of a new Chief Justice in Ghana presents an opportunity to strengthen the country's justice system and ensure that it remains independent, impartial, and efficient. The four potential candidates all have impressive qualifications and experiences, but in my opinion, Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi may stand the best chance of being appointed. It is my hope that whoever is appointed will take steps to address the challenges facing the justice system and work towards building a more just and equitable society for all Ghanaians.
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