Akufo-Addo swears in 16 Court of Appeal judges

President Akufo-Addo has taken decisive action to confront Ghana’s mounting judicial challenges with the appointment of sixteen new Justices to the Court of Appeal.

This expansion, aimed at bolstering the judiciary’s efficiency, comes at a critical juncture marked by a significant backlog of cases and the retirement of senior judges.

The appointments, endorsed by the Judicial Council, introduce esteemed jurists such as Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah, Justice Gifty Dekyem, and Justice Kofi Akrowiah to pivotal roles within the appellate court. Their arrival coincides with the retirement of Justices Amma Gaisie, Cecilia Sowah, Victor Ofoe, and Angelina Domakyaareh, with Justice Alex Poku Acheampong set to retire in October 2024, underlining the urgency of replenishing judicial ranks.

To alleviate the burden on the central Accra court and expedite case resolutions nationwide, Chief Justice, in tandem with the Judicial Council, has championed a strategic initiative to decentralize operations.

This initiative establishes permanent panels across five key regions: Sekondi, Koforidua, Kumasi, Tamale, and maintaining Accra’s pivotal role. Each panel is strategically positioned to serve appeals from distinct geographical clusters, utilizing modern infrastructure and virtual connectivity to streamline proceedings.

President Akufo-Addo underscored that these measures are pivotal in addressing backlog concerns and fortifying public trust in the judiciary.

“The significant expansion of the Court of Appeal is a direct response to our overloaded court system,” he affirmed, highlighting concurrent investments in technology and infrastructure, including the e-justice system and new courthouse constructions nationwide.

With seventy-nine courthouses already operational and twenty-one more nearing completion as of February 2024, the administration’s commitment to enhancing judicial access and efficiency remains steadfast. This broader strategy not only aims to expedite justice delivery but also to reaffirm the rule of law across Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the newly appointed Justices, urging them to uphold integrity and diligence in their roles. Their collective efforts, he emphasized, are integral to advancing Ghana’s judicial landscape towards greater transparency and accessibility.

The strategic expansion of Ghana’s Court of Appeal marks a pivotal step forward in fortifying the nation’s judicial framework, ensuring equitable and timely justice for all citizens.

By Daakyehene Nana Yaw Asante 

The post Akufo-Addo swears in 16 Court of Appeal judges first appeared on 3News.

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