President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly sworn-in justices of the Court of Appeal to demonstrate courage, integrity, and humility as they take up their new judicial responsibilities.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Jubilee House on Thursday, October 2, President Mahama said the role of the judiciary was critical to the country’s democracy and must be exercised with fairness and honesty.
“My Lords and Lady justices, as you assume your new roles, I ask you to carry these three virtues. The first is courage. The second is integrity, and the third is humility, courage to resist pressure, whether political or financial. courage to resist pressure, whether political or financial, and to uphold the law even when it is unpopular,” he said.
He underscored that justice must never be compromised.
“Integrity, justice is not for sale. I urge you, therefore, to be not only arbiters of law but also custodians of hope. Carry with you the solemn truth that justice is the most powerful promise of our democracy and that through your service, this promise will endure,” he stressed.
He further encouraged the new justices to focus on building a lasting legacy that would outlive their service on the bench.
According to him, “If you do this, then long after you have left the bench, your names will not be merely recorded in law reports. They will be remembered in the hearts of Ghanaians as justices who renewed our faith in our republic.”
President Mahama reminded the judges of the weight of the oath they had taken, noting that their accountability extended beyond the Presidency.
“As you take your oath today, note that you swear not only before me as president, not only before the Chief Justice, but before God, before history, and before the people whose lives you will touch with your judgments. May your judgments be wise, may your service be faithful, and may your legacy be enduring,” he stated.
He concluded his address by congratulating the newly sworn-in justices and extending his best wishes for their service.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I extend a warm welcome and congratulations to you on this noble calling. May justice prevail, may just, may hope endure, and may our nation be renewed. I thank you, and may God bless our judiciary and our beloved country, Ghana,” he said.
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